Tag: amazon web services

  • AWS vs Azure, what is your best option when choosing a cloud platform?

    AWS vs Azure, what is your best option when choosing a cloud platform?

    We’ve had articles in the past about why you should consider making the move from on-premises to the cloud, but we’ve never specifically addressed which provider you should consider when making this move.

    For many, AWS (Amazon Web Services) and Azure are the main players that they look to when making the jump the cloud. Brand recognition is obviously there for both choices, as well as a history of impeccable uptime. Uptime is a very important factor, obviously you want your data to be available when and how you need it, but there are more things to consider.

    First, let’s look at the players. AWS has been around since 2006 and offers a “pay as you go” model, which means you pay only for the data you actually use. Many of us are familiar with the webstore Amazon, and you’d probably be surprised to learn AWS is a much bigger venture for Amazon, with 74% of their profit coming from AWS.

    Azure was launched in 2010 and is also pay as you go. However, how they differ is that Azure actually lets users access their data through a virtual machine on a Virtual Hard Desk (VHD). This means their interface is slightly more user friendly from the start. For a similar interface in AWS you must rent an EC2 (their version of a virtual machine). EC2 is more customizable but Azures Virtual Machine may more easily work with existing Cloud computing tools.

    Both are similar in that they offer scalable storage solutions; however, their object size restrictions vary slightly, with AWS having a 5 TB object size limit and Azure having a 4.75 TB limit. For most of our customers this would be a very negligible difference, however.

    Both do an excellent job of securing your data, in AWS you customize your security settings on setup. With Azure, they use Microsoft’s Cloud Defender services which are similar to the Windows Defender services you probably already utilize.

    AWS has a dashboard that may be easier to use if it’s your first-time using cloud services when it comes to looking for documentation on how to use the service. Where Azure has them beat though is that Azure keeps all of your user account and information in one place. So, depending on which kind of information you’re looking for, you may prefer one over the other.

    If customizing your cloud experience via code is something you’re after, you probably want to stick with AWS. Through their SageMaker system you can utilize their artificial intelligence (AI) tools to develop a very specific and unique experience when it comes to tracking data, making modifications, and applying updates.

    Azure on the other hand has opted for a “Codeless” interface, even someone with zero coding knowledge can drag and drop pieces to customize their cloud’s AI interface.

    Of course, from a base level you can look at what operating system these are compatible with. AWS is more compatible with Linux while Azure offers compatibility through .net with Linux, Windows and MacOS.

    In a nutshell, these two cloud behemoths are more alike than different but there are some factors that depending on your particular business sector or goals may lead you to shift one way or the other. We also want to spend a moment addressing a pricing breakdown for both AWS and Azure. You can see their pricing models in the chart below. We also want to note that both provide a free introductory period so you can test their services before committing to a plan.

    Are you considering a move to the cloud and aren’t sure which provider to go with, or even how to make it happen? Valley Techlogic can help. We’re experts in cloud computing and have managed many customer cloud migrations. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, an IT service provider in Atwater, CA. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on Twitter at https://x.com/valleytechlogic.

  • AWS had an outage this week that took out many top websites and is causing delivery issues for Amazon

    AWS had an outage this week that took out many top websites and is causing delivery issues for Amazon

    Amazon Web Services (AWS) is so prevalent in their cloud services they could be considered an internet backbone. Their cloud computing network is so ubiquitous with online web hosting it would be difficult to find a business that doesn’t utilize their service for some or all of their online hosting requirements.

    So, when an outage occurs on their networks the effects are far reaching and severe. This week’s outage lasted five hours and effected major players – such as Netflix, Southwest Airlines, the Associated Press, Delta and more. The outage mostly occurred on the east coast but even Amazon’s own e-commerce site was affected, which may cause delays in some deliveries as Christmas shopping is in full swing.

    This outage echo’s the Facebook outage that happened on October 4th  in that there is a ripple effect that occurs when these large providers have an outage. This instance is also similar in that, like with Facebook, there has been no word as of posting as to why yesterday’s outage even happened.

    The outage didn’t just affect big businesses either, many smaller businesses that utilize AWS for their company hosting found themselves locked out services necessary to complete their job duties. It points to the issues that can occur when all of our information is locked into just a few centralized places.

    When the internet was first established it was originally designed to be a decentralized network. No one business was meant to control most of it, that was so no single point failure could level it. Now “Big Tech” has eroded that goal and it will be difficult to undo the current state of things.

    It’s hard to argue though that AWS Isn’t a convenient service to use, they have streamlined the cloud computing process where many others have sought to make it convoluted for the end user, they have flexible payment options and it’s accessible on demand. When you compare it to Azure, who groups users under a domain (making it difficult to access the one you need) and is slower when it comes to large data transfers unless you have a premium subscription, it’s easy to see why many businesses choose AWS.

    Still, diversifying our networks would help protect us from outages such as these and major breaches. If you’re a business looking into cloud solutions, you might consider the Multicloud Redundancy approach.  What this means is you might have some of your data and services hosted by AWS and some hosted by another provider.

    Another option is hybrid cloud. Hybrid cloud is when you have a mixture of on premises storage (such as your office server), private cloud services and public cloud services (like AWS).

    Chart of cloud solution options
    Click to view the full size version.

    At Valley Techlogic we utilize AWS, but we also take the hybrid cloud approach. In fact, our backup program TechVault utilizes three different methods of storing your data. In this world of uncertainty when it comes to cybersecurity attacks and online outages that you have no control over, diversity is key.

    If you would like to learn more about TechVault or need help with your cloud service choices, reach out to us today.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    This article was powered by Valley TechLogic, IT service provider in Atwater, CA. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on Twitter at https://x.com/valleytechlogic.

  • The average cost of hiring IT support staff examined

    The average cost of hiring IT support staff examined

    When you’re talking about IT for businesses there’s a wide range of normal, for some businesses their normal is having in-house IT staff. For many though their IT operational needs are such that having a dedicated staff devoted to the job just doesn’t make financial sense.

    Average Cost of an IT Support Person
    Click to see the full size version.

    If you look at our chart you can see that the cost of hiring one IT person is quite significant. You also must overcome the usual hiring hurdle of just finding the right person in the first place and dedicating your time to that task is something that should definitely be taken into consideration.

    The benefit of an IT support plan is someone else is doing that job for you, with the right company behind your business you will have an entire team of experienced techs available to you without having to pay a yearly salary for each one.

    Some technology service providers even offer flat monthly cost plans that come with generous or even unlimited support included. We’re proud to be one such company that offer plans that eliminate many of the billing headaches surrounding outsourcing your IT for our clients.

    While our own plans are multifaceted and cover project work, onsite and help desk support, cybersecurity and more – you may be asking what types of plans are usually available in the marketplace.

    1. Full Managed IT Department Support – This is what we offer, we cover everything you could need that’s IT related.
    2. Managed Support Services – This is where remote and help desk support is available but not onsite. Good for getting back into locked email accounts but not ideal for complicated IT issues.
    3. Managed Software as a Service (SAAS) – This is a managed service for one particular type of software. Notable examples include Google Apps, Salesforce, ZenDesk and DocuSign.
    4. Managed Networks and Infrastructure – VPNs would fall into this category, as would managed cloud services such as Amazon Web Services (AWS).
    5. Business Intelligence and Data Analytics – Consulting services that help you with your web presence and the best ways to apply technology to your business would fall into this category of managed services.

    These aren’t the only examples of IT support plans, but we feel they’re the most notable.

    Many small or medium sized business owners also avoid the issue entirely by doing their own IT. We wrote about why that may not make smart business sense here, but in a nutshell it comes down to how much you really value your time and whether your efforts spent there are the best use of it.

    We can offer advice on what the best fit is for your particular business, if you’d like to book a free 10 minute consultation you can find our calendar here. We’re offering easy virtual appointments and even if you don’t choose us, we can help you leave with a plan.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these tech articles from the last week.

    This article was powered by Valley TechLogic, an IT provider in Atwater, CA. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on Twitter at https://x.com/valleytechlogic.

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