ShareAs mid-sized healthcare companies continue to embrace digital transformation, choosing the right cloud provider becomes a critical decision. Among the most prominent players, Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS) lead the pack. Both offer robust cloud services, but each has specific strengths that suit different business needs. For healthcare providers, where data privacy, regulatory compliance, cost, and scalability are crucial, understanding the nuances of Azure and AWS is vital. This article dives into the pros, cons, cost considerations, and migration tips tailored specifically for mid-sized healthcare organisations.
Why do cloud solutions matter for healthcare?
We all know that privacy in healthcare is elementary. Healthcare companies deal with sensitive patient data, from blood test results to diagnosis, thus require secure data storage and sharing, and often face fluctuating data volumes. Cloud computing allows them to:
- Improve operational efficiency
- Enable telehealth and remote monitoring
- Comply with HIPAA and GDPR regulations
- Improved patient care with AI and data analytics
Azure vs AWS: Core strengths overview
The TOP 2 leader providers in cloud computing are Microsoft and Amazon: Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services. Both solutions are great but we think that Microsoft Azure has some advantages.
Microsoft Azure
- Integration with Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365: Ideal for organisations already using Microsoft tools.
- HIPAA-compliant services: Azure provides numerous compliance certifications, including HITRUST and HIPAA.
- Hybrid capabilities: Azure Arc and Stack offer flexible hybrid deployment models.
- AI and ML services: Azure Health Bot, Azure Machine Learning.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Market leader: AWS holds the largest cloud market share with a mature ecosystem.
- Wide range of services: More than 200 services across storage, computing, analytics, etc.
- Robust compliance programs: Includes HIPAA eligibility, HITRUST CSF certification.
- Advanced analytics and ML tools: Amazon Comprehend Medical, SageMaker.
In healthcare companies, integrations with Microsoft 365 and HIPAA-compliant services must be priority, therefore Azure might be a better choice when it comes to cloud migration.
Cost considerations: Azure vs AWS
Cloud pricing can be complex, and sometimes it’s hard to predict the final cost. However, it is vital to move to the cloud and leave servers behind. For choosing th best option for your cloud migration, healthcare companies must consider:
- Compute and storage costs: Azure and AWS both offer pay-as-you-go and reserved pricing models. Azure tends to have slightly more competitive pricing for Windows-based services.
- Data transfer costs: AWS charges more for outbound data transfers, which can be significant for telehealth solutions.
- Licensing: If your organisation already has Microsoft enterprise agreements, Azure offers cost advantages through Azure Hybrid Benefit.
- Pricing calculators: Both providers offer calculators for accurate estimation:
Security and compliance
In healthcare, compliance isn’t optional, it’s critical. Both Azure and AWS offer:
- Encryption at rest and in transit
- Multi-factor authentication
- HIPAA-eligible services
- Audit logging and monitoring tools
Azure offers more out-of-the-box tools tailored for compliance (e.g., Azure Compliance Manager), while AWS provides more flexibility for customisation.
Performance and global reach
Both platforms have extensive global availability zones, with minimal latency and high uptime SLAs. However, Azure has a stronger presence in Europe and offers better integration with on-prem infrastructure, which is a plus for healthcare providers operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Ease of migration: Azure vs AWS
The migration itself can be a hassle – but not with these cloud providers! Both Azure and AWS provide migration tools, to smoothen your transition.
Azure migration tools:
- Azure Migrate: Assessments, discovery, and migration of servers, databases, and VMs
- Database Migration Service
- Azure Site Recovery for DR
AWS migration tools:
- AWS Migration Hub
- AWS Application Migration Service
- AWS Database Migration Service
In a previous article, we also shared an ultimate guide about migration, which you can read by clicking here.
Case Study: UK mid-sized healthcare provider
A UK-based mid-sized healthcare provider with 400 employees needed to modernise its legacy IT infrastructure to support telehealth, reduce server costs, and meet NHS Digital compliance standards.
Challenges:
- Legacy on-prem systems with high maintenance cost
- Growing telemedicine usage requiring scalability
- GDPR and NHS DSP Toolkit compliance
Solution:
- Migrated to Azure due to existing Microsoft licensing and strong hybrid capabilities.
- Used Azure Migrate and Azure Site Recovery.
- Enabled Azure Monitor and Security Center for governance.
Outcome:
- Reduced IT operational costs by 32%
- Improved application uptime from 96% to 99.95%
- Full compliance with GDPR and NHS Digital requirements
Selection Criteria Checklist:
- HIPAA/GDPR compliance support
- Pricing model fit
- Integration with existing tools
- Data sovereignty and regional coverage
- Partner ecosystem and support
- Migration tools and consulting availability
Conclusion
For mid-sized healthcare companies, both Azure and AWS offer powerful capabilities for cloud migration, security, and scalability. Azure often wins when deep Microsoft integration, hybrid cloud, and cost-saving through existing licensing is critical. AWS offers broader service depth and flexibility but may be more costly for certain workloads.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your current environment, compliance needs, and digital transformation goals. Working with a Microsoft-certified consultancy like Peruzzi Solutions can help simplify the decision and execute your migration with confidence.