Salesforce vs AWS - Which Is Better for Your Needs

Most companies today have some element of technological integration. Salesforce vs AWS are two that frequently come up. Let's talk about the differences to get the right choice together.
Fatima
April 10, 2025

Stuck between AWS services vs Salesforce services? Who provides better sales services for a business: A Cloud Service (AWS) or Salesforce? Choosing the best platform for your business can be very easy with the robust services provided by both platforms.

First and foremost, would you prefer a CRM system that manages all customer interaction with them, or rather cloud computing services tailored for your business? If not chosen wisely, this decision could be troubling in terms of budget, peace of mind, and overall productivity.

All of this can create unnecessary confusion. However, there's no need to worry! This article on Salesforce vs AWS is designed to make your life easier. Specifically, it provides simplified information tailored to help you make the best decision for your business. Let's dive in!

What is Salesforce?

Salesforce is a CRM platform based in the cloud. In simple terms, CRM or Customer Relationship Management refers to managing relations with customers.

Salesforce Features: 

  • Managing customer and business data 
  • Managing sales activities 
  • Tracking marketing activities 
  • Providing customer support 
  • Providing analytical services

Using Salesforce services, businesses can enhance interaction with customers. Moreover, it automates sales and marketing processes. As a result, it is very effective for companies that need advanced customer management systems.

Functions of Salesforce

Unlike traditional software, Salesforce operates on a cloud system, meaning it does not require the installation of any software. Instead, companies can utilize the platform on a website and mobile application. 

Additionally, integration with other platforms such as Gmail, Outlook, and Slack is also enabled. This allows companies to register on Salesforce to monitor leads, respond to customer queries, and finalize sales.

Furthermore, Salesforce offers tailored solutions specific to different industries. For instance, the healthcare, finance, and retail industries, to name a few, manage customer relations. The software has detailed customer behavioral insights. As a result, it helps the business have better business intelligence.

What are AWS? 

AWS refers to Amazon Web Services. Essentially, it's a platform for cloud computing. AWS specializes in network storage and computing power solutions. 

The Main Features of AWS: 

  • Flexible tailoring cloud storage. 
  • Management of the network is done securely. 
  • Management of data. 
  • Moreover, AI, including machine learning. 
  • Processing power for enterprise business. 

AWS allows companies to design and run apps that power the web and software. Additionally, it enables the development of artificial intelligence-powered solutions. 

How does AWS Work? 

Through AWS, companies get a vast array of cloud services. Unlike traditional hosting providers, AWS allows companies to rent servers. Additionally, it provides access to data and application design services. In contrast to other companies, AWS services are offered pay-as-you-go, which means you pay for what you use. 

Many startups and large companies, along with government agencies, use AWS. However, Supports are made for platforms such as Netflix, Airbnb, and NASA. Additionally, it includes basic services such as data storage and advanced ones such as AI file tools.

Key Differences Between Salesforce vs AWS Services

Differences Between Salesforce vs AWS

Salesforce and AWS (Amazon Web Services) are two well-known platforms that offer services in the cloud. However, each serves a different purpose and type of user. Let's take a closer look at AWS services vs Salesforce:

Core Purpose

AWS (Amazon Web Services):

A computing cloud featuring Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). Specifically, it specializes in storage, computing, databases, machine learning, networking, security, and more.

Salesforce: 

A cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. Additionally, it provides SaaS solutions for sales, marketing, customer support, and other business automation.

Primary Users

AWS (Amazon Web Services): 

Companies and individuals such as developers, IT professionals, and even startups often need a cloud infrastructure. Moreover, startups also need to efficiently host their applications. Additionally, they require computing resources.

Salesforce: 

Companies with CRM requirements rely on Salesforce. Additionally, business sales, marketing, and customer service representatives need analytical, automation, and customer engagement tools.

Services Offered

AWS (Amazon Web Services): 

  • Computing (EC2, Lambda)
  • Storage (S3, EBS)
  • Databases (RDS, DynamoDB)
  • AI/ML (SageMaker)
  • Networking & Security (VPC, IAM)
  • DevOps (CodePipeline, CloudFormation)
  • Analytics (Redshift, QuickSight)

Salesforce:

  • Sales esports (CRM for managing sales team)
  • Service esports (Customer support automation)
  • Community esports (Customer and partner portals)
  • Marketing Cloud (Automation of social media, emails, and ads)
  • Commerce Cloud (E-commerce system)
  • CPQ (automation for generating quotes)
  • Einstein Analytics (Data insights powered by AI) 

Customization & Development

AWS (Amazon Web Services):

AWS Lambda, EC2, and container services such as Kubernetes are primarily used by developers. Consequently, they help with the application-tailored construction.

Salesforce: 

Customization is performed via Apex - Salesforce’s programming language. Additionally, UI customizations are done using Lightning Components, and automation with Flows.

Integration

AWS (Amazon Web Services): 

AWS allows integration with third-party services and applications using APIs.

Salesforce: 

Salesforce seamlessly integrates with AWS, ERP, marketing, and external database tools. Additionally, it offers proprietary integrations and ready-built integration with Salesforce.

Pricing Model

AWS (Amazon Web Services):

AWS pays per the amount of storage, computing, and network resources used. Moreover, it follows a pay-as-you-go pricing model.

Salesforce:

Salesforce offers subscription-based pricing. Additionally, it follows a per-user license model for other products like Sales Cloud and Service Cloud.

Security & Compliance

AWS (Amazon Web Services): 

Uses IAM (Identity and Access Management) for security. Additionally, it provides encryption and security compliances under ISO, HIPAA, and GDPR.

Salesforce: 

Customer data security is maintained through OAuth, multi-factor authentication (MFA). Additionally, role-based Access Control (RBAC), and field-level encryption.

Use Cases

AWS (Amazon Web Services): 

  • Hosting applications and websites 
  • Storing and processing data 
  • Leveraging AI and machine learning 
  • IoT and serverless computing

Salesforce: 

  • Management of customer relationships (CRM) 
  • Tracking of leads and opportunities 
  • Automation of customer support processes 
  • Marketing and sales automation

Pros and Cons of Salesforce vs AWS

AWS services vs Salesforce offer different types of cloud services. On the one hand, Salesforce concentrates on Customer Relations Management (CRM) and Automation. On the other hand, AWS focuses on Infrastructure and Computing. To make it easier to compare Salesforce vs AWS, the table below summarizes the pros and cons of each service.

Pros AWS (Amazon Web Services) Salesforce
Developer Friendly Specifically, it has support for various programming languages. In contrast, it provides low-code/no-code process automation.
Global Reach For instance, it provides data centers worldwide which guarantees low latency. Meanwhile, it is Internet-powered, enabling unrestricted collaboration.
High Performance Notably, provides On-demand computing resources for heavy workloads. Similarly, supports CRM and customer management optimization.
Disaster Recovery Additionally, it has built-in backup and recovery solutions. Likewise, includes automatic cloud-based backups of the data.
Cons AWS (Amazon Web Services) Salesforce
Difficult Setup That is to say, plan for cloud architecture. As a result, spend a long time configuring the CRM.
Has To Be Adjusted For this reason, constantly have to adjust costs and improve performance. Similarly, it requires some adjusting to automation workflows.
Too Many Options To clarify, it offers an array of services which can be helpful, but too many. Likewise, the range of provided features includes many which will never be used.

Salesforce vs AWS: Who Has the Better Future? 

Both platforms continue to evolve with new advancements. On one hand, Salesforce expands its AI features. While on the other hand, AWS improves cloud computing with enhanced security and performance. As a result, companies around the world and the future seem reliant on the needs of these businesses along with industry trends. 

Trends to Watch:

  • Integration of AI and machine learning
  •  Increased automation in customer service
  • Enhanced measures for cloud security
  • Growth in data-driven business decisions.

Undoubtedly, both Salesforce and AWS will continue to lead the industry. Ultimately, the right one to choose will be based on the business strategy at hand. 

Which One is Better for Your Business?

Ultimately, it all depends on what you need. If you're trying to decide between Salesforce and AWS, here are some pointers.

Choose Salesforce if: You need a CRM that helps you monitor customers and sales.

Choose AWS if: You want a cloud-based storage, computing, or hosting service. Some businesses utilize both services.

For example, a company may store data on AWS and manage the customers on Salesforce.

Why Do Some Businesses Use Both Platforms?

In many cases, companies rely on both platforms. For instance, Salesforce assists them in CRM interactions. While at the same time, AWS powers applications and stores data. For example, e-commerce businesses host their website on AWS. Additionally, they track customer purchases on Salesforce. As a result, businesses can optimize efficiency for both services.

Advance Your Customer Relationships Like Never Before!

Salesforce is here to transform your business with cutting-edge CRM Tools. Moreover, with this powerful platform, you can manage sales more efficiently. Additionally, it allows you to automate marketing, and enhance customer care all on one platform. Simply put, it performs all tasks.

Salesforce takes productivity to the next level, allowing you to boost your sales like never before!

  • Fast implementation and seamless user adoption
  • Predictive AI to make the most of every sale opportunity.
  • Effortless integrations with the apps you already use.

So, are you ready to grow your business with Salesforce? Don't wait! Book an Appointment at PixelConsulting and Get Started with Salesforce NOW!

Final Thoughts: Salesforce vs AWS

Salesforce vs AWS serve different purposes and therefore their comparison can be quite tricky. On the one hand, Salesforce is useful for customer relationship management, whereas AWS holds the crown when it comes to cloud computing services and data storage.

Select Salesforce if your focus is to have better customer interactions. Choose AWS if the needed solution is for cloud services. Interestingly, many enterprises find that using both allows for a more complete solution.

Ultimately, understanding the need for AWS services vs Salesforce helps one make the right choice suited to the business objectives.

AWS vs Salesforce – FAQ’s

Is AWS better than Salesforce?

Salesforce vs AWS do not compete with one another because fundamentally, their services differ. On one hand, Salesforce automates business processes and maintains CRM services. On the other hand, AWS offers cloud infrastructure services.

Is Salesforce built on AWS?

No. Salesforce runs on its infrastructure. However, it does utilize AWS for some of its services including but not limited to Marketing Cloud, Service Cloud Voice, and backup solutions for other clouds.

Does Salesforce use AWS or Azure?

Salesforce works mainly on its infrastructure. Nevertheless, it partners with AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure for different services.

Can Salesforce run on AWS?

No. Salesforce doesn't operate on AWS. However, Salesforce can integrate with several AWS features such as S3, Lambda, and EC2. 

Is AWS a rival of Salesforce?

Not directly. While it is true that Salesforce uses AWS for infrastructure (IaaS/PaaS) and hosts in their data centers. On the other hand, Salesforce’s offerings are CRM and business automation (SaaS/PaaS). However, AWS does have a few offices CRM-related services that compete with Salesforce.

Read Also: PitchBook Salesforce Integration

Author Insights:
Fatima
Hi! I’m an SEO Content Writer and Brand Copywriter who turns complex ideas into engaging and easy-to-understand content. Lately, I’ve been simplifying Salesforce, helping businesses navigate their CRM systems with confidence. My goal? To make tech and marketing feel simple, clear, and impactful.
April 10, 2025

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