AWS vs. Azure: Which Cloud Platform Is Best for Legacy Application Migration?

For many businesses, legacy applications are the backbone of daily operations, but they weren’t built for the cloud. As companies modernize, migrating these legacy systems to cloud platforms like AWS and Azure becomes a strategic move. But which cloud is better for your migration?

At Combined Technology, we help businesses choose the right platform based on their infrastructure, goals, and application requirements. Here’s a breakdown of how AWS and Azure stack up when it comes to legacy application migration.

Why Migrate Legacy Applications to the Cloud?

Legacy applications often:

• Run on outdated hardware
• Lack scalability
• Are expensive to maintain
• Pose security risks

Migrating them to the cloud allows for:

• Improved performance
• Scalability on demand
• Lower maintenance costs
• Enhanced data protection
• Easier integration with modern tools

But choosing the right cloud provider is key to a successful transition.

AWS vs. Azure: Key Comparison for Legacy Migration

1. Compatibility with Legacy Systems

AWS: Offers broad support for older systems and operating environments. It’s often preferred by companies migrating custom-built or highly specific legacy tools.

Azure: Has tighter integration with Windows Server, Active Directory, and other Microsoft technologies. Ideal for businesses already in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Best for: Microsoft-heavy environments – Azure; Highly customized environments – AWS

2. Migration Tools

AWS: Provides tools like AWS Application Migration Service and Database Migration Service. These automate and simplify complex migrations, including physical servers.

Azure: Azure Migrate offers assessment and migration features for VMs, databases, and apps. It also supports hybrid environments more natively.

Both platforms offer enterprise-grade migration tools; choose based on existing architecture.

3. Cost Management

AWS: Pay-as-you-go model with deep discounts through Reserved Instances. Requires careful monitoring to avoid surprise costs.

Azure: Also uses pay-as-you-go, but offers more flexibility for organizations already using Microsoft licensing.

Best for: Cost-conscious Microsoft shops – Azure; Flexible scaling – AWS

4. Security and Compliance

AWS: Strong focus on security, with extensive compliance certifications and customizable security controls.

Azure: Equally robust, and often more intuitive for companies already using Microsoft 365 and Defender.

Both platforms offer top-tier security, but Azure is easier to integrate into existing Microsoft-based compliance setups.

5. Support and Ecosystem

AWS: Largest cloud provider globally with the broadest partner ecosystem, documentation, and support resources.

Azure: While smaller, it continues to grow rapidly and offers strong support, especially for Microsoft-native workloads.

Best for: Custom-heavy environments – AWS; Windows-based infrastructure – Azure

Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between AWS and Azure isn’t about which one is “better”, it’s about which one fits your specific use case. The right platform depends on the architecture of your legacy apps, your team’s technical strengths, licensing structure, and future goals. Here’s a simple guide:

• Go with AWS if you have diverse workloads, use Linux-based apps, or need a broad set of migration tools.
• Go with Azure if your legacy stack is Windows-based or you already use Microsoft 365, Exchange, or Dynamics.

How Combined Technology Helps

We don’t just move apps, we make sure they perform better after migration. Our Cloud Migration Services include:

• Platform selection & roadmap planning
• Cloud readiness assessments
• Legacy system modernization
• Full-scale migration & testing
• Post-migration optimization & support

We work with both AWS and Azure, so we help you choose the right platform, not the one we’re trying to sell.

Cloud Migration Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Your legacy systems deserve more than a lift-and-shift. A successful cloud migration depends on:

• Choosing the right platform
• Preparing your environment
• Mapping dependencies
• Planning for future growth

Combined Technology helps businesses across Oklahoma make smarter, smoother cloud transitions, backed by expert support and proven processes.

Get in touch with our team and let’s build your migration roadmap together.