AWS vs Azure: Which is More Popular Among New Zealand Developers?
The cloud computing landscape in New Zealand is rapidly evolving, with both Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure vying for dominance in the market. As Kiwi businesses increasingly embrace digital transformation, the choice between these two major cloud platforms has become a crucial decision for developers and organisations alike. This article explores the current state of AWS and Azure adoption in New Zealand, examining which platform is gaining more traction among local developers and why.
The Cloud Computing Landscape in New Zealand
New Zealand’s cloud adoption rate has been steadily increasing over the past few years. According to a recent study commissioned by Microsoft, public cloud adoption generated revenues worth 6% of GDP in 2022, with projections suggesting an additional NZ$21 billion contribution to the economy by 2026. This growth is expected to create around 134,000 new jobs, highlighting the significant impact of cloud technologies on the New Zealand economy.
As of 2024, the public cloud services market in New Zealand is forecasted to grow by 22.3% year-on-year, outpacing the global average of 20.4%. This rapid growth underscores the increasing importance of cloud platforms in the Kiwi tech ecosystem.
AWS: The Global Leader
Amazon Web Services has long been the global leader in cloud computing, boasting a 33% market share worldwide as of Q1 2022. In New Zealand, AWS has made significant inroads, particularly among tech startups and companies focused on innovation.
Key advantages of AWS for New Zealand developers include:
- Extensive service offerings: AWS provides a vast array of services, allowing developers to build and scale applications quickly.
- Strong support for open-source technologies: This aligns well with the preferences of many Kiwi developers who value flexibility and customisation.
- Robust ecosystem: AWS’s large user base and extensive documentation make it easier for developers to find solutions and community support.
Notable New Zealand companies using AWS include Xero, which migrated its entire infrastructure to AWS in recent years. This move by one of New Zealand’s most successful tech companies has undoubtedly influenced many local developers and organisations.
Azure: The Rising Contender
While AWS has been the traditional frontrunner, Microsoft Azure has been gaining significant ground in New Zealand. Azure’s market share has been steadily increasing, with a 22% global market share in Q1 2022.
Azure’s growing popularity among New Zealand developers can be attributed to several factors:
- Integration with Microsoft ecosystem: Many New Zealand businesses already use Microsoft products, making Azure a natural extension of their existing IT infrastructure.
- Strong presence in enterprise and government sectors: Azure has been particularly successful in winning over large enterprises and government organisations in New Zealand.
- Hybrid cloud capabilities: Azure’s robust hybrid cloud offerings appeal to organisations that need to maintain some on-premises infrastructure.
A notable example of Azure’s adoption in New Zealand is Auckland Council, which has embraced Azure as its primary cloud platform. This decision by a major public sector organisation has likely influenced other government bodies and large enterprises in the country.
Developer Preferences in New Zealand
When it comes to developer preferences, the landscape in New Zealand is nuanced. A survey conducted by Stack Overflow in 2021 showed that globally, AWS was the most widely used cloud platform among developers. However, in New Zealand, the gap between AWS and Azure appears to be narrowing.
Several factors influence Kiwi developers’ choices:
- Job market demands: The choice of cloud platform often aligns with job opportunities. As more New Zealand organisations adopt Azure, particularly in the enterprise sector, developers are increasingly skilling up in this platform.
- Existing skill sets: Developers with a strong background in Microsoft technologies may find Azure more intuitive and easier to learn.
- Project requirements: The nature of the project often dictates the choice of cloud platform. For startups and companies focusing on cutting-edge technologies, AWS might be preferred. For enterprise-level applications, especially those integrating with existing Microsoft systems, Azure is often the go-to choice.
- Government and enterprise adoption: As government agencies and large enterprises in New Zealand increasingly adopt Azure, developers working in or aspiring to work in these sectors are more likely to focus on Azure skills.
The Multi-Cloud Approach
It’s worth noting that many New Zealand organisations are adopting a multi-cloud strategy. According to global trends, about 89% of businesses report using multi-cloud solutions. This approach allows organisations to leverage the strengths of different cloud providers and avoid vendor lock-in.
For New Zealand developers, this trend means that proficiency in both AWS and Azure can be a significant advantage. Many are choosing to gain certifications in both platforms to enhance their employability and versatility.
Looking Ahead
As both AWS and Microsoft invest in local data centres in New Zealand (expected to be operational by 2024), the competition between these cloud giants is likely to intensify. This local presence will address data sovereignty concerns and potentially accelerate cloud adoption across various sectors.
The choice between AWS and Azure for New Zealand developers often comes down to specific project needs, organisational preferences, and career aspirations. While AWS maintains a strong position, especially in the startup and innovation space, Azure’s growth, particularly in enterprise and government sectors, cannot be ignored.
AWS remains popular among New Zealand developers, especially those in tech-centric roles and startups, Azure is rapidly gaining ground, particularly in enterprise-level applications and government sectors. The trend suggests that rather than one platform dominating, New Zealand is moving towards a diverse cloud ecosystem where both AWS and Azure play significant roles.
For Kiwi developers, the key takeaway is the importance of versatility. Gaining skills in both AWS and Azure can significantly enhance career prospects in New Zealand’s evolving cloud computing landscape. As the country continues its digital transformation journey, cloud computing skills – regardless of the specific platform – will remain in high demand, offering exciting opportunities for developers across various sectors of the New Zealand economy.