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Azure fits well with Microsoft tools and industries using .NET extensively.
AWS offers wider global reach and more cloud-related job openings.
Learning one cloud makes it easier to master the other in the future.
Cloud services have become a standard part of modern technology. For developers working with Microsoft’s .NET framework, two platforms dominate the landscape: Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Both hold significant popularity, offer extensive capabilities, and continue to influence how software is developed in 2025.
AWS is still the largest cloud provider in the world. It has been in the market longer, offers more services, and is used in many industries. Azure is in second place but has been growing fast. Many companies that already use Microsoft products choose Azure because it integrates seamlessly with their existing infrastructure.
Also Read: AWS vs Azure: Which Cloud Platform Should You Learn in 2025?
Azure connects easily with tools and systems that .NET developers already use. It works smoothly with Visual Studio, GitHub, and Microsoft’s databases. Services like Azure DevOps and Azure Functions make it simple to test and run applications without setting up many extra tools.
In large companies, Azure is often the primary choice. Many job openings for .NET developers mention Azure, especially in industries such as government, healthcare, and finance.
AWS is known for speed and flexibility. Many tests show that applications can run faster on AWS, and it handles large amounts of data well. It also has more data centers in different parts of the world, which helps applications work better for people in other countries.
There are also more cloud-related jobs that ask for AWS skills. Even if Azure is more common in .NET-specific jobs, AWS has a larger share of cloud jobs overall. This makes AWS important for developers who want a wider choice of roles.
Also Read: What's Behind Microsoft Azure's Growth Over AWS and Google Cloud?
Cloud knowledge can increase a .NET developer’s pay by a large margin. On average, Azure specialists earn slightly more than AWS specialists, but the gap is small. Cloud certifications from either platform can also increase salaries.
Some developers learn both Azure and AWS. This makes them more valuable for companies that use multiple cloud platforms simultaneously.
Many developers believe that the core concepts in both platforms are similar. Skills such as running servers, storing data, setting up networks, and utilizing automation tools are applicable in both. Learning one platform makes it easier to understand the other later.
Some choose based on which platform is used most by companies near them. Others start with AWS because it has more services, then move to Azure later.
For developers specializing in Microsoft technology, Azure is often the preferred starting point. For those seeking global reach or higher performance, AWS serves as a strong alternative.
Mastering one platform remains the most critical step, as the expertise gained can ease the transition to the other in the future. In 2025, many .NET developers can benefit by beginning with the platform aligned to their goals and expanding to the other when the time is right.
