Amazon vs. Microsoft: Which Cloud Computing Giant Is the Better Buy?

Core Viewpoint - Amazon is favored over Microsoft as the better investment in the cloud computing sector due to its strong growth, AI integration, and cost advantages in its cloud services [1][15]. Amazon - Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the largest cloud computing provider globally, holding nearly 30% market share [3]. - AWS is Amazon's most profitable and fastest-growing segment, with a revenue increase of 17% last quarter, driven significantly by AI solutions [4]. - Amazon has developed custom AI chips, Trainium and Inferentia, which optimize performance and cost for AI tasks, providing a competitive edge over Microsoft [5]. - AI is also enhancing Amazon's e-commerce operations, with over 1 million autonomous robots improving warehouse efficiency and customer satisfaction [6]. - The company is leveraging AI for logistics optimization and enhancing third-party seller marketing through its growing digital ad platform [8]. Microsoft - Microsoft Azure has been a major growth driver, with a 33% year-over-year revenue increase last quarter, largely attributed to AI services [9]. - The company is facing capacity constraints and plans to increase capital spending in fiscal 2026, focusing on short-lived assets like GPUs and servers [10]. - Microsoft's early investment in OpenAI has been crucial for Azure's growth, integrating AI technology into its productivity tools [11]. - However, the relationship with OpenAI has become strained, with disputes over investment terms and access to intellectual property [13][14]. - Microsoft is working on developing its own AI chips, but delays have been reported for its next-generation Maia AI chip [17]. Comparative Analysis - Amazon's vertically integrated cloud platform offers a wide range of services, including custom chips and high-margin services, giving it a cost advantage [16]. - Microsoft relies on expensive Nvidia chips and AI models from OpenAI, facing more uncertainties despite Azure's rapid growth [17].