Compare AWS CloudFormation vs. Amazon Web Services (AWS)

AWS CloudFormation is a powerful tool for provisioning and managing infrastructure, enabling users to create resource templates that outline a collection of AWS resources for deployment. These templates facilitate version control of your infrastructure and allow for quick, repeatable replication of your stacks. You can easily define components like an Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) subnet or manage services such as AWS OpsWorks or Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS) without hassle. Whether you need to run a single Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) instance or a sophisticated multi-region application, CloudFormation supports your needs. With features that allow for automation, testing, and deployment of infrastructure templates through continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) processes, it streamlines your cloud operations. Furthermore, by treating infrastructure as code, AWS CloudFormation enhances the modeling, provisioning, and management of both AWS and third-party resources. This approach not only accelerates the cloud provisioning process but also promotes consistency and reliability across deployments.

AWS is the leading provider of cloud computing, delivering over 200 fully featured services to organizations worldwide. Its offerings cover everything from infrastructure—such as compute, storage, and networking—to advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and agentic AI. Businesses use AWS to modernize legacy systems, run high-performance workloads, and build scalable, secure applications. Core services like Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, and Amazon DynamoDB provide foundational capabilities, while advanced solutions like SageMaker and AWS Transform enable AI-driven transformation. The platform is supported by a global infrastructure that includes 38 regions, 120 availability zones, and 400+ edge locations, ensuring low latency and high reliability. AWS integrates with leading enterprise tools, developer SDKs, and partner ecosystems, giving teams the flexibility to adopt cloud at their own pace. Its training and certification programs help individuals and companies grow cloud expertise with industry-recognized credentials. With its unmatched breadth, depth, and proven track record, AWS empowers organizations to innovate and compete in the digital-first economy.