Which is Better for Job Opportunities – AWS or Azure?

Cloud computing is a marvelous, highly innovative, and cost-effective technology offered in various forms. Cloud computing can be considered as one of the master strokes of the 21st century. Along with other modern technologies, it has an exemplary impact on a multitude of sectors. Cloud computing impacts both large organizations and average individuals equally. It allows us to store a large amount of data and access it remotely from multiple devices. We can now easily access and use applications without installing them on personal devices. We can develop and test the application without establishing the big servers. Further, it is easier to create, train and deploy machine and deep learning algorithms.

Since cloud computing offers many benefits to individuals and organizations, many organizations are making a leap towards cloud computing. As a result, overall investment is increasing in the cloud computing domain. As per Gertner’s report, spending on public cloud services is expected to reach $304.9 billion in 2021 from $257.5 billion in 2020 world-wide (increasing 18.4%). Moreover, a pandemic never seen before has further boosted the need for cloud computing services to survive. Strong demand for skilled individuals is building up in this space. It is high time for individuals to leverage this opportunity, dive into the cloud computing space and start a promising career.

This article will discuss cloud computing, its service models, various cloud providers, and a comparison of career prospects for AWS vs. Azure. Professionals seeking AWS training should also take a look at this comparison.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is a concept based on service on demand. Services are provided to organizations or individuals to enhance their IT capacity. Depending on the organization’s specific needs and cost constraints, cloud services are usually offered in three modes: public, private, and hybrid, with each having its pros and cons. Further cloud services are provided with different service models such as Iaas – Infrastructure as service, Paas – Platform as a service. Saas – Software as a service. Each model offers the service based on the scale of organization, requirements, and cost. 

Multitudes of cloud providers are available in markets such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, Rackspace, etc. Out of which AWS and Azure are leading the market share. Let us see more about AWS and Azure cloud services providers.

What is AWS?

Amazon Web Services or AWS is a platform that offers cost-effective, scalable, reliable, and flexible cloud computing solutions. AWS, an Amazon subsidiary, is a cloud computing platform providing service in all models such as IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS.  

What is Azure?

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform that provides cloud services and resources. Azure allows flexibility to use preferred tools as it is compatible with open-source technology.

AWS Vs. Azure Job Prospectus

It is a common dilemma for individuals which one should be the primary choice as a career prospect. Individuals need to consider various parameters such as market share, salary, company preference, head start, interest, and job requirement to decide which is a better choice. 

• Comparing AWS and Azure, no dilemma that AWS is more popular and has a greater market share than Azure. According to Cloud Security Alliance, AWS has a 41.5% application workload in the public cloud compared to Azure, which holds 29.4%. However, Azure is gradually approaching close to AWS along with other cloud services. 

• Salary trends suggest that AWS-related jobs have a median average wage of approx  $104,088. While for Azure-related employment, the average median salary is of the order of $100,868.

• Looking at AWS’ customer base, including names such as Netflix, AstraZeneca, AirBnB, NewsCorp, Channel 4, Lonely Planet, Dow Jones Azure includes names such as Pearson, Ford, Hendrick, NBC News, Swiss Re, Easyjet, etc. Both have large customer bases. 

• AWS started earlier in 2006 compared to Azure and led the way in terms of wider offerings and product maturity. Its long list of tools and services, along with an enterprise-friendly approach, attract large organizations. 

• Looking at the other factors, AWS is leading while Azure is following closely. However, it depends on individual interests and job requirements. If you are interested in pursuing a specific company that uses particular cloud computing, you should opt for the same and go ahead. 

• Whether you work on Azure first or AWS, You may need to switch to another in the future as companies start to work on multi-cloud services or may migrate to new cloud services depending on needs. In the case of multi-cloud platforms, companies expect individuals to have competency in both AWS and Azure.

Now that we have compared the career prospects for AWS and Azure, below is the complete list of certifications you can achieve for better career prospects.

List of Certification: AWS 

AWS offers a range of certifications, including foundational level, associate-level, professional-level, and specialty certifications. Individuals may opt based on their role and current level. The complete list of certifications offered currently is as below.

1. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect
3. AWS Certified Developer
4. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator
5. AWS Certified Solutions Architect
6. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer
7. AWS Certified Machine Learning
8. AWS Certified Advanced Networking
9. AWS Certified Data Analytics
10. AWS Certified Security Specialty
11. AWS Certified Database

List of Certification: Azure

Similar to AWS, Microsoft Azure provides a total of nine types of role-based certifications, which can be opted by individuals depending on their levels, starting from fundamental, associate, and expert levels. It helps individuals to gradually build their level up the ladder and facilitate easy learning. Below is a complete list of certifications.

1. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (Exam AZ-900)
2. Microsoft Azure Administrator. (Associate Exam AZ-103)
3. Microsoft Azure Developer (Associate Exam AZ-203)
4. Microsoft Azure Security Engineer (Associate Exam AZ-500)
5. Microsoft Azure AI Engineer (Associate Exam AI-100)
6. Microsoft Azure Data Scientist (Associate Exam DP-100)
7. Microsoft Azure Data Scientist (Associate Exam DP-200)Examination DP-200 for Implementing an Azure Data Solution
8. Microsoft Azure Data Scientist (Associate Exam DP-201)Examination DP-201 for designing an Azure Data Solution
9. Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect (Expert Examination AZ-300)
10. Microsoft Azure Architect Design (Expert Examination AZ-301)
11. Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer (Expert Examination AZ-400)

Final Word

Cloud computing is growing rapidly, and various vendors are trying to penetrate the market to leverage the opportunity. AWS is leading the pack in terms of market share and offerings. However, other platforms, mostly Azure, are closing the gap and growing their presence in the space. Moreover, companies now prefer to use hybrid platforms for meeting customer requirements. Professionals interested in building a career in the cloud computing space need to carefully think about the platform before starting. It should be aligned with their career goal. However, looking at the future trends, professionals may need to attain skills in multiple platforms.