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AWS and AZURE: 12 Key Differences

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AWS vs AZURE

Are you an amateur in the world of cloud computing? In such a situation where you are so new to this, you might need to know the key differences between AWS and AZURE, which are some of the best cloud computing platforms.

If you run an organization, then you are going to need a cloud computing platform to manage the database system of your company. No matter which background you are from, cloud computing will always come in handy for you and it has become essential to thrive for many organizations.

Both AWS and Azure are popular platforms and offer almost similar features, but there are some notable differences between AWS and Azure. However, you need to choose one of them for your organization according to your requirements.

In this article, we are going to take a look at the intense competition between AWS, Azure, and their features. After reading this article, you will be able to evaluate the features of AWS and Azure for your company.

What Is AWS?

AWS services are developed in a smart and interconnected manner so they can work with each other to generate a feasible result. AWS offers three types of services, which include infrastructure, software, and platform as a service. It is among the best cloud computing platform available currently.

What Is AZURE?

Those of you who are interested in the cloud computing system would know that Microsoft AZURE was launched in 2010. With Microsoft Azure, you will see integrated cloud computing services such as computing, networking, database, storage, mobile, and web applications. Users can achieve a higher level of efficiency with this integrated cloud computing system.

Full Comparison between AWS and AZURE: 12 Key Differences

1. Compute power

AWS: If you are an AWS EC2 user, you will be able to configure out your own VMs. Users get the option to select the pre-configured machine images. Choosing AWS as your cloud computing platform will give you the ability to select size, power, memory, capacity and number of VMs.

AZURE: Select your own Virtual Hard Disk by choosing AZURE as your cloud computing system. It is similar to the machine instance for creating a VM. The user has to identify the amount of memory, and the virtual hard disk can be pre-configured by Microsoft. It can be pre-configured by a third-party or the user.

2. Storage

AWS: When an instance is initiated, temporary storage is allocated by the AWS. But this storage is terminated once the instance ends. Block storage options are available and the object storage with S3. AWS supports relational, NoSQL databases and Big Data. The block storage is the same as a virtual hard disk.

AZURE: Microsoft AZURE supports relational databases, NoSQL and Big Data through Azure Table and HDInsight. Block storage through Page Blobs for VMs and temporary storage is accessible through D drive. AZURE users further get the feature for site recovery, import, and export. Azure Backup is available for site recovery.

3. Network

AWS: Develop isolated networks within the cloud by becoming an AWS user. It offers a VPC (Virtual Private Cloud) for its users. AWS creates subnets in the virtual private cloud. Access to a private IP address, route tables, and network gateways by becoming an AWS user.

Azure: By using the cloud computing solution called Microsoft Azure, you can access to a private IP address, route tables, and subnets. Currently, both organizations are providing the ability to on-premise data centers into the cloud or firewall option.

4. Pricing Models

AWS: AWS comes with a pricing model called “pay as you go.” You have to pay AWS per hour for usage. You can buy the instances on the following three models:

On-demand: Pay as per usage without any additional cost.

Reserve: Users can reserve an instance for one to three years.

Spot: Bidding for extra capacity by the users.

AZURE:

Similar to AWS, the pricing model of AZURE is pay as you go. The only difference between both is that AZURE charges per minute instead of per hour. Due to this change in the pricing model, users can get an exact estimation of price by using AZURE.

5. Support plans

AWS: When you become an AWS user, and you will have a pricing ability that is based purely on a sliding scale tied to monthly usage. It is a risky feature to avail because your AWS bill would be very high if you are an avid user. If your usage will be for extended hours, then it is recommended to go with AZURE.

AZURE: AZURE users are given a monthly bill that is at a flat rate. If you are a heavy user of AZURE, then this service is going to be cheaper for you as compared to the services of AWS.

6. Integrations and open source

AWS: The number of open-source integrations available on the cloud computing platform of AWS is more as compared to Microsoft AZURE, due to AWS holding a good connection with the open-source community. The open-source integrations available are Jenkins and GitHub. AWS is a Linux server friendly cloud computing platform.

AZURE: AZURE provides native integration for tools like VBS, SQL database, and Active Directory. Being a user-friendly platform for .net developers, AZURE is also offering Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Apache Hadoop clusters. Are you still wondering about open source? It is no secret, Microsoft AZURE has never adopted this model.

7. Containers and orchestration support

AWS: Amazon is always getting better by making investments in new services. AWS can keep up with new demands and produce better outcomes and analytics. The features of AWS have been targeted to loT, and machine learning has been added. Depending upon the need, the users can create high-performance ad quality mobile apps.

AZURE: When it comes to keeping up with new demands, AZURE is not lagging behind. AZURE brings Hadoop support with Azure HDInsight. There is an intense competition with Amazon because AZURE runs Windows and Linux containers. On the other hand, Windows Server 2016 delivers integration with Docker.

8. Compliance

AWS: Amazon brings certifications in ITAR, DISA, HIPAA, CJIS, and FIPS as it has good connections with the government agencies. Amazon Web Services is ideal for agencies who have to handle sensitive information because only authorized persons can access the cloud. It is a must for organizations holding critical data.

AZURE: Microsoft AZURE offers more than 50 offerings: ITAR, DISA, HIPAA, CJIS, FIPS and many more. It is a government-level cloud computing service that can only be accessed by specific people. So, the security level of AZURE is almost similar to Amazon.

9. User-friendliness

AWS: When it comes to features, nothing can beat the number of features Amazon is providing. But the only issue is that AWS is not for beginners. IT experts claim that there is a learning curve with AWS. Once you learn how to use it, it will be the most powerful cloud computing system.

AZURE: Amazons AZURE is a windows based platform that is why it is easier to use for the beginners out of the box. No need to learn additional things to start using this platform. The users need to integrate on-premises Windows servers with cloud instances to create a hybrid environment.

10. Licensing

AWS: In cloud computing system with AWS, the users have to use a dedicated host for software assurance to relocate the licenses to the cloud computing system. Before migrating the licenses, the users need to ensure that the license mobility migrates the Microsoft server application products through the software Assurance program.

AZURE: the users of Microsoft Azure can avoid paying for extra licensing if they make sure whether the server fits the requirements for mobility properly. The licenses in Microsoft Azure is charged per usage and mobility is not available.

11. Hybrid cloud capabilities

AWS: AWS introduced hard disks of 100 terabytes, enabling it to be moved between the cloud and the client’s data centers. A hybrid element was needed, and hence it was added to the portfolio by making a partnership with VMware. Amazon is still developing in the hybrid cloud computing banner.

Azure: Microsoft Azure provides intense support for hybrid cloud services. The supported platforms include Azure StorSimple, Hybrid SQL Server, and Azure Stack. The pricing model for this hybrid cloud capability is paying as you go basis. The users can bring the public as you’d functionality to their on-premises data centers.

12. Deploying apps

AWS: Apps can be deployed in AWS by creating a new application and then configuring the application and environment. After that, the elastic beanstalk application can be accessed through Amazon Web Services.

Azure: For deploying apps, the Microsoft Azure portal is utilized to create an Azure app service. The developer tools are used to create the code for a starter web application.

Final Takeaway

AWS and Azure offer similar features and services to the users, but it does not mean that one service is better than the other. The decision of which service to choose only depends upon the needs of your business. No matter with service you go with, it is a given that you will be relishing the benefits of a hyper scalable cloud solution that will assist your business to accumulate.

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Taming the Current: Understanding and Preventing Electrical Overload

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An electrical overload occurs when too much current is drawn through an electrical circuit, potentially leading to hazardous outcomes like fires or equipment damage. While both homes and businesses are at risk, industrial facilities with dense electrical infrastructure face some of the greatest overload hazards.

Think of electricity as water flowing through a hose. If you turn up the valve too high, the hose’s capacity will be exceeded, and you’ll either get leaks, pipe bursts, or damage from the excess pressure. Similar consequences happen when electrical current exceeds circuit capacities.

While momentary overloads may just trip a breaker, prolonged excessive current draws can lead to catastrophic equipment failures, fires, or other safety hazards. Industrial facilities are especially vulnerable due to their demands for dense electrical infrastructure.

Causes of Electrical Overloads

Several factors can contribute to electrical overloads:

  • Circuit Overloading: This happens when too many devices are plugged into one circuit at a time. Even if those devices aren’t being actively used, their idle power draws accumulate to overload the circuit. Daisey-chained power strips liberally loaded with devices are a common overload culprit.
  • Faulty Equipment: Malfunctioning appliances, machinery, or wiring along a circuit can also directly contribute to overloads. Examples are electrical shorts, corroded connections, old wiring unable to handle modern appliance loads, or devices drawing higher idle currents than normal. Damaged insulation and exposed wires also pose risks.
  • Ground Faults: Also referred to as leakage current, ground faults occur when electricity strays or leaks from its intended path and instead flows into the grounding system. Although grounding systems are designed to handle some leakage, excessive ground faults can lead to overloads.
  • Power Surges: From lightning strikes, damaged transformers, faulty generators, and similar causes, power surges slam electrical systems with sudden bursts of excess current. Without adequate protection, this abnormal influx readily overloads circuits.
  • Simultaneous High Demand: At certain times, multiple pieces of equipment along a circuit could simultaneously start drawing higher loads, cumulatively exceeding that circuit’s capacity even if those devices typically don’t pose issues independently. Think of an industrial motor, air compressor, and conveyor belt system all powering up at once.

Consequences of Electrical Overloads

Electrical overloads create substantial safety risks and can cause extensive equipment damage. Here are some common consequences posed by electrical overloads:

Tripped Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are designed to trip and cut power as an early-response safety mechanism against sustained overloads. While the breaker trip protects downstream equipment, it also disrupts device functionality until the breaker is reset. Tripped breakers directly impact productivity in facilities that rely on constant electrical machinery uptime for operations.

Electrical Fires

Overheating wires and connections pose serious fire hazards, especially in industrial settings where flammable materials or dust accumulation could be present nearby. According to National Fire Protection Association estimates, electrical overloads account for around 30,000 fires per year just within industrial facilities.

Damaged Equipment

Beyond fire risks, sustained electrical overloads can simply fry electrical components involved in the overloaded circuit. Everything from motors, transformers, conductors, insulators, and more is at risk of heat degradation/mechanical stresses. The costs of replacing damaged electrical infrastructure can be substantial.

Power Outages

If overload conditions persist long enough before a protective breaker trips, the immediate equipment could sustain damage, causing a power outage further down the circuit. In drastic cases, the overload itself could theoretically trip the main breaker/fuse, cutting power to large sections of your facility. Loss of power triggers even more costly productivity impacts and safety risks for staff.

Preventing Electrical Overloads

Facility managers overseeing large electrical loads have several options available to prevent hazardous overloads proactively:

  • Identify Circuit Capacity: Maintaining updated electrical drawings with load calculations for each circuit is invaluable. These help identify under-capacity circuits at risk of overload, especially when adding new equipment. Periodic infrared scans also help monitor heating issues along wires.
  • Practice Smart Plugging: Encourage staff to be mindful of available outlets and avoid daisy-chaining surge protectors to prevent overloading circuits. Strategically distribute equipment across available circuits.
  • Upgrade Outdated Wiring: If older electrical infrastructure lacks the capacity to support modern power demands, upgrades may be warranted to bring things up to code and safely add capacity margin.
  • Invest in Surge Protectors: Commercial surge protectors help absorb anomalous power surges at key equipment or service panel locations, preventing overloads. They regulate voltage levels when abnormal spikes occur.
  • Schedule Electrical Inspections: While building codes require routine inspections to uncover any overlooked risks like damaged wires or faulty equipment that could prompt overloads, even more frequent proactive inspections are worthwhile for aging electrical systems. Thermal imaging and breaker testing are example inspection focus areas.
  • Unplug Unused Appliances: Remind staff to unplug seldom-used devices and equipment rather than leaving them plugged in indefinitely. All those idle current draws accumulate gradually, overloading circuits.
  • Use the Right Size Fuses/Circuit Breakers: When replacing aged fuses or circuit breakers, ensure new components are properly rated for the intended equipment’s power demands with some extra capacity margin built in. Undersized components pose overload risks.

The Role of Metal-Clad Switchgear in Overload Protection

For handling large electrical current capacities across industrial facilities while guarding against overloads, metal-clad switchgears offer robust and safer power control solutions:

  • High interrupting capacity: Designed to withstand short circuit currents up to 200kA, metal-clad switchgear can safely isolate and redirect excessive overload currents away from vulnerable equipment, better avoiding hazards.
  • Operator safety: Unlike open busbar switchgear designs, metal-enclosed switchgear incorporates grounded metal barriers around current-carrying components, greatly reducing electric shock risks for staff during switchgear operation or maintenance. Doors with safety interlocks also prevent opening while energized.
  • Modular construction: With individual cubicles for various switchgear functions like circuit breakers or instrument transformers, failed components are easier to isolate and replace without affecting adjacent equipment availability. This supports shorter downtimes. The modular designs also help simplify future expansion needs.

Proper metal-clad switchgears that provides a high level of protection at industrial sites safely and efficiently manages immense power flows. Protecting this vital equipment from excessive currents prevents costly outages and dangerous conditions. With a robust electrical backbone in place, operations can continue uninterrupted.

Conclusion

Electrical overloads pose substantial risks ranging from minor outages to fires and injuries. Targeted prevention is possible by understanding their causes – from circuit overloads to voltage imbalances.

Tactics like upgrading wiring, using surge protection, and ensuring properly sized breakers reduce overload likelihood. In industrial settings, investing in resilient metal-clad switchgears that provide a high level of protection manages extreme currents while insulating staff from harm.

With vigilance and safe infrastructure, electrical systems’ lifesaving protections will switch on the moment trouble arises.

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How about Switching up Your Digits with Some UK Virtual Phone Numbers?

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Virtual phone numbers for the UK provide a free call-forwarding feature that lets customers divert calls to landline, mobile, or SIP numbers so they never miss a crucial call. Thanks to this versatility in call handling, users can easily handle incoming and outgoing calls.

The emergence of VoIP telephony in the UK has made choosing a virtual number appealing for individuals looking for an affordable communication solution because it can save a significant amount of money on international calls.

Users can connect with individuals abroad and make international calls using virtual numbers. People can easily forge new connections and expand their contact network by choosing a virtual number for the UK.

There are a variety of UK virtual numbers tailored to different communication needs. Users can select from:

  • Calls.
  • SMS.
  • Toll-Free.
  • Fax options based on their requirements. 

Moreover, they can freely select well-known city numbers like London, Oxford, Liverpool, or Cardiff to establish a local presence in specific UK regions. Suppose you love the idea of being on the go and having flexibility. In that case, you can choose mobile virtual numbers that support SMS and calls, catering to various communication needs.

It’s crucial to remember that the price of virtual phone lines in the UK can vary depending on the services you select. There may be a charge for calls and SMS, but not for calls and faxes. Despite these variations, companies looking to enhance customer service can significantly profit from obtaining a UK toll-free number.

Companies can demonstrate that they value client communication by offering a toll-free number to make it more straightforward for customers to contact without worrying about costly call fees.

Why Pick Freezvon for Virtually Numbers in the UK?

As a leading supplier of UK virtual phone numbers, Freezvon can customize a range of features and services to match your requirements. Expect the following when you use them for your virtual phone number in the UK:

  • Quick Setup: Setting up your UK virtual phone number is a breeze. You’ll be up and running in no time.
  • Budget-Friendly Pricing: They offer competitive pricing options to fit any budget, making it simple to begin using your UK virtual phone number.
  • Tailored Features: From call forwarding to voicemail to call recording, they provide a range of customizable features to elevate your virtual phone number usage.

How Can a UK Virtual Phone Number Benefit You?

A UK virtual phone number can benefit individuals and businesses in several ways. These benefits include:

  1. Appear Professional: An esteemed company like yours deserves a UK virtual phone number for that touch of professionalism that customers can’t resist.
  2. Guard Your Privacy: Don’t mix business with pleasure – keep your digits to yourself and use a separate number for those critical business calls or overseas chats.
  3. Stay Connected: With a virtual phone number, you can jet-set around the globe and keep in touch with clients and colleagues. As long as there’s WiFi, you’re good to go!

In conclusion, organizations and people searching for efficient communication solutions will benefit significantly from virtual phone lines in the UK.

With features like free call forwarding, the ability to make international calls, and various service options, these virtual numbers offer an affordable and practical way to stay in contact with contacts in the UK.

UK virtual phones can improve relationships across borders and streamline communication for personal and professional objectives.

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7 Reasons Why a Tech PR Company is Essential for Growing Companies

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In the boom or bust tech industry, having a strong Public Relations (PR) strategy is more than just a trend – it’s something that’s essential in order to achieve the kind of growth you need to succeed in this marketplace. But if you don’t have one, you’re probably wondering why and how to excel in this area.

Let’s explore a little further.

7 Reasons You Need a Tech PR Company

Having a tech PR company is often viewed as a luxury or “nice to have.” But in reality, it’s one of the most important things you can invest in when growing your brand.

Here are several of the top reasons why:

1. Builds Brand Credibility

In an industry where trust is paramount, a tech PR firm helps establish and maintain your company’s credibility. Through strategic media placements and expert communication, they elevate your brand’s reputation, making it more appealing and reliable to customers and stakeholders.

2. Manages Reputational Risks

The tech industry is prone to rapid changes and potential crises. A tech PR firm is adept at navigating these challenges, from data breaches to ethical controversies. They provide crucial crisis management to protect and salvage your company’s reputation in difficult times.

For starters, a tech PR firm can help with preemptive reputation management. This involves identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies before they escalate. (For example, they can help craft policies and messages that address sensitive issues such as data privacy and ethical use of technology. This reinforces your company’s commitment to responsible practices.)

In the event of a crisis, such as a security breach or a product malfunction, a tech PR firm can provide rapid response services. And they also play a vital role in post-crisis recovery. After the immediate threat has passed, your tech PR firm can help rebuild trust and repair any damage to your brand’s reputation.

3. Foster Positive Media Coverage

Gaining positive media attention is critical in the tech sector. Tech PR professionals know how to effectively pitch to journalists and media outlets, ensuring that your company’s achievements and innovations receive the spotlight they deserve, thereby enhancing your market presence.

4. Attracts Investors and Partnerships

Growth in technology often hinges on securing investments and forming strategic partnerships. Tech PR firms excel in showcasing your company’s potential and success stories, attracting interest, and opening doors to new funding and collaborative opportunities.

5. Navigates Industry Shifts

News flash: Technology evolves fast! (Just think about how many new technologies have emerged over the past 18 months in the A.I. space alone.) If you’re going to be in this industry, you need a nimble and informed approach to communication.

Tech PR firms keep their finger on the pulse of industry trends, helping you adapt your brand messaging and strategies to stay ahead of the curve and remain relevant.

A good tech PR firm will also help your company become a part of the conversation around significant industry changes. They can secure speaking opportunities at key industry events and position your brand’s top employees and personalities as thought leaders through interviews, guest podcasting spots, white papers, and media mentions.

6. Establishes a Strong Online Presence

You need an online presence. (There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it). A Tech PR firm can manage this digital image on your behalf. From your website to social media platforms, they’ll walk with you every step of the way. They’ll craft engaging content and manage online campaigns that align with your business objectives and strengthen your digital footprint.

7. Enhances Thought Leadership

Positioning your executives as industry thought leaders can significantly elevate your brand’s stature. Tech PR firms facilitate this by securing speaking engagements, publishing opinion pieces, and arranging media interviews, thus contributing to the industry dialogue and elevating your company’s profile.

Grow with a Tech PR Partner

The best way to look at a tech PR company is as a partner. You’re investing in them, and their number one goal is to help you grow your brand and shine in a more positive light.

By working together, you can build at a faster pace and develop crucial inroads with your target customer base. Just make sure you hire the right company, as this can be the difference between a huge expense and a successful partnership!

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