Difference between Azure App Service and Azure Spring Apps?

Question

If I want to deploy spring boot applications, how to choose between Azure App Service and Azure Spring Apps?

what are the various aspects that need to be considered before making the final decision?

Answer 1

I was in similar dilemma from last few weeks. However, after spending few nights :) investigating about it, I deployed my spring boot app to Azure Spring Apps. Following were the same of the factors:

1. Application Type

   • Azure App Service: Works well for monolithic (single codebase) Spring Boot applications, web applications, and APIs.
   • Azure Spring Apps: Designed for microservice architectures built with Spring Boot, Spring Cloud, or any Spring application. Offers features like service discovery, configuration management, and built-in Spring expertise.

2. Management and Control

   • Azure App Service: Provides basic web app hosting features like scaling, auto-scaling, and continuous deployment. Requires manual configuration for Spring-specific functionalities.
   • Azure Spring Apps: Offers advanced Spring-focused management capabilities like configuration management, service binding, and Spring Boot health checks. Simplifies managing and scaling microservices.

3. Development Expertise

   • Azure App Service: Easier to set up and manage for general web applications, even with limited Spring knowledge.
   • Azure Spring Apps: Requires understanding of Spring concepts and microservices architectures for optimal utilization.

4. Cost

   • Azure App Service: Can be slightly cheaper for simple deployments due to its general-purpose nature.
   • Azure Spring Apps: Slightly more expensive due to its Spring-specific features and managed services.

Here's a quick table summarizing the key differences:

Feature	Azure App Service	Azure Spring Apps
Application Type	Monolithic, web apps, APIs	Micro services (Spring Boot, Spring Cloud)
Management	Basic web hosting features	Spring-focused: configuration, service discovery, health checks
Development Expertise	Easier, requires less Spring knowledge	Requires Spring and micro services understanding
Cost	Slightly cheaper	Slightly more expensive

Recommendations:

1. Use Azure App Service if:

   • You have a simple monolithic Spring Boot application or web app.
   • You have limited Spring expertise and prefer a simpler setup.
   • Cost is a major concern.

2. Use Azure Spring Apps if:

   • You have a microservices architecture built with Spring Boot or Spring Cloud.
   • You value advanced Spring management features and expertise.
   • You are comfortable with Spring and microservices concepts.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider trying both services to see which one better suits your project requirements.

Following posts might also be helpful:

• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/spring-apps/faq?pivots=programming-language-java
• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/1320408/how-to-choose-between-azure-spring-apps-and-app-se

I hope this information helps you make an informed decision!