For years, Microsoft Azure dominated the Canadian cloud market, leveraging early infrastructure investments and strict compliance with data sovereignty regulations. However, as businesses demand more cost-effective, agile, and innovative cloud solutions, Azure’s early lead is fading. Rising costs, increasing complexity in service integration, and a slower pace of technological advancement have made it harder for Azure to maintain its dominance.
Meanwhile, Amazon Web Services (AWS) operates on a global scale with a flexible, highly adaptive cloud platform. Its continuous service expansion, extensive regional availability, and comprehensive cost management options are helping Canadian organizations future-proof their cloud strategies with greater agility.
At zeb, we’ve been directly involved in this shift, helping enterprises across Canada navigate the move from Azure to AWS with tailored strategies that meet both business and regulatory demands.
The early Azure advantage in Canada
Over the past decade, Microsoft Azure emerged as the leading cloud platform for many Canadian enterprises, due to its strong regulatory compliance and strategic market presence. Azure’s early success in Canada was driven by several key factors:
- Data Sovereignty Compliance: Azure was the first to offer multi-zone infrastructure within Canadian borders, meeting strict data residency laws in sectors like government, healthcare, and finance.
- Microsoft Ecosystem Integration: Organizations heavily invested in Microsoft tools such as Microsoft 365 and Windows Server benefited from Azure’s seamless compatibility and strong partner incentives.
- Early Infrastructure Investments: Microsoft’s early buildout of local data centers gave it a first-mover edge, supporting disaster recovery and business continuity needs.
Why are businesses shifting to AWS in 2025?
The Canadian cloud landscape is transforming, with AWS emerging as the preferred platform over Azure. Here’s what’s driving the shift:
Regional Availability
AWS now operates two full regions in Canada: Canada Central and Canada West, which match Azure’s footprint, meet data residency and high availability requirements without compromise
Ecosystem & Partner Strength
A robust Canadian partner network of Independent Software Vendors (ISV), integrators, and Managed Service Providers (MSP) accelerates migrations and reduces project risks, delivering faster time-to-value.
Innovation & Service Breadth
AWS leads in service variety, offering advanced AI/ML, analytics, serverless alongside edge solutions that drive enterprise modernization and innovations.
Cost Optimization
Flexible pricing models, Graviton processors, and cost management tools are driving down TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and making AWS a cost-efficient choice.
Security & Compliance
With continuous certifications and advanced security tools, AWS meets Canadian regulatory standards, earning enterprise trust.
Flexibility & Customization
AWS supports diverse operating systems, languages, and networking models – ideal for both modernizing legacy systems and building cloud-native apps.
Modernization Over Migration
As organizations prioritize application modernization, AWS supports this shift with tailored programs for re-platforming and re-architecting, moving beyond basic migrations.
AWS’s cost-efficiency and enterprise-grade capabilities are reshaping cloud strategy across Canada in 2025.
Key differences between Azure and AWS
| Key Aspect | AWS | Azure |
|---|---|---|
| User Interface & Management |
AWS Console offers granular control, a powerful Command-Line Interface (CLI), and advanced automation. Known for comprehensive functionality and detailed information. CLI is widely used and has a large community. |
Azure Portal is user-friendly but less flexible for automation. Interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. CLI is well-integrated with other Azure services. |
| Machine Learning Services |
Amazon SageMaker supports the full ML lifecycle with broad AI tool integration. Offers total freedom and flexibility in creating ML models. |
Azure ML Studio is user-friendly, focused on codeless, drag-and-drop experiences. Less enterprise-ready compared to SageMaker. |
| Serverless Event Handling | AWS Lambda integrates widely, enabling scalable, event-driven architectures globally. | Azure Functions have fewer third-party integrations. |
| Developer Tools & DevOps | AWS Code* services lead with extensive CI/CD and third-party integrations. | Azure DevOps is good but favors Microsoft-centric workflows. |
| Global Market Reach | AWS has the largest, most mature global infrastructure and availability zones. | Azure’s footprint is growing but still smaller globally. |
Key challenges in Azure to AWS migration and how zeb solves them
Migrating from Azure to AWS involves several challenges for Canadian businesses. One key issue is application compatibility, which often demands refactoring due to differing architectures. Additionally, data transfers must meet with strict Canadian privacy laws, adding another layer of complexity. Furthermore, skill gaps in AWS technologies can delay timelines and increase the risk of misconfigurations.
Integrating AWS with legacy systems and hybrid setups also requires careful planning to ensure seamless operation. Finally, managing costs and navigating differing licensing models can significantly impact budgets and overall ROI.
At zeb, we use a proven AWS migration approach designed specifically for Canadian businesses. Our customized strategies, strong understanding of local regulations, and team of AWS-certified experts ensure a smooth, secure, and efficient move to the cloud while keeping your business running without disruption.
Final thoughts
The Canadian cloud market is at a major turning point, with AWS now leading at 32%, surpassing Azure’s 20%. Over 92% of Canadian businesses use public cloud services, with many favoring AWS for IaaS and PaaS due to its strong regional presence, continuous innovation, and cost efficiency.
As a trusted AWS Premier Tier Services Partner, zeb helps Canadian enterprises migrate to the cloud by providing AWS-certified experts who deliver end-to-end strategy, optimization, and ongoing support to ensure your cloud environment aligns with your business goals.
Partner with us to overcome legacy challenges and achieve long-term cloud success on AWS.
+1 732 737 9188
sales@zeb.co