Rackspace vs Azure Performance
With numerous cloud hosting providers out there, how do you choose? It's not an easy process. There are numerous factors to consider, but of course the two main considerations are price and performance.
In terms of performance, that can be a little tougher to figure out. Each provider has a different method of allocating and provisioning resources. As such, you really need to have a solid understanding of your specific needs before you can begin researching the best provider for your situation.
Here's a look at Windows Azure and Rackspace in order to determine the best choice between the two(Rackspace vs Azure). Keep in mind that one is PaaS (Azure) while the other is IaaS. Even though we are comparing them, they are essentially different in that respect.
Rackspace vs Azure: Performance
Cloudspectator.com tested both Azure and Rackspace against the Unixbench test, a bench-marking tool recognised by most in the IT world as the standard performance test. It gives a score after conducting certain tests designed to push server loads to max capacity, revealing the type of load the system can handle.
After five days of non-stop testing, it was determined that Azure beat Rackspace 1442.8-555.2. Imagine that — Linux running faster on Windows than Rackspace Openstack!
Could it be the processor options that set Azure apart? Rackspace offers only 64 bit, while Azure offers both 32 and 64 bit.
Rackspace vs Azure: Price
There is a bit of difference when you compare price. If you choose Rackspace, you'll enjoy no charge on incoming bandwidth. Outgoing is .12 per GB. Azure charges .10 per GB incoming, .12 per GB outgoing. Each offers pay-as-you-go, and Azure has the added bonus of monthly subscription plans.
Rackspace vs Azure: Other Features
In terms of security, Rackspace one-ups Azure: they offer both backup storage and snapshot backup. Azure only offers backup storage.
Another area Rackspace wins: they offer VPS for free, while Azure charges.
If you're concerned about network availability, you should choose Rackspace, though the difference is minute: Rackspace offers 100% uptime, while Azure guarantees 99.9% availability.
For web hosting, Azure is no additional charge. There is a fee with Rackspace. Want root access? Both providers offer it.
There is also a higher amount of compatibility with Rackspace. They are compatible with most OS except for Debian, Oracle Enterprise Linux, and Windows Server 2003. Azure, on the other hand, isn't compatible with FreeBSD, Gentoo Linux, openSUSE Linux, or Ubuntu 10.04.
Azure is also superior in terms of the languages it supports. And speaking of support, both offer free, 24/7 support, but only Rackspace offers online help guides and live chat functionality.
Rackspace vs Azure: The Verdict
Both services have something to offer users. It's up to the user to determine what is best for their website. As PaaS (Platform as a Service, a computing platform and stack as a service, like Azure) and IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service, space on a machine — virtual or otherwise — and resources, like Rackspace) are different types of cloud computing models, it's impossible to say that one is better than the other. However, as most people will compare the two against each other, it becomes necessary.
Which cloud solution do you rely on?
