AWS OpsWorks vs Scalr

March 02, 2025 | Author: Michael Stromann
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AWS OpsWorks
AWS OpsWorks is a cloud application management service that makes it easy to deploy and operate applications of all shapes and sizes. AWS OpsWorks includes automation to scale your application based on time or load and dynamic configuration to orchestrate changes as your environment scales.
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Scalr
The Scalr Cloud Management Platform packages all the cloud best practices in an extensible piece of software, giving your engineers the head start they need to finally focus on creating customer value, not on solving cloud problems. Deploying infrastructure across multiple and largely incompatible cloud platforms? Scalr is a single pane of glass for all your cloud resources. It lets you access them through a single, unified, user interface.

Both AWS OpsWorks and Scalr are essentially the digital equivalents of highly organized intergalactic traffic controllers, managing your cloud infrastructure with a flair for automation. They each have a curious ability to scale up and down as if they had an infinite supply of well-trained minions. Through the magical art of infrastructure as code (IaC), they both reduce the need for manual intervention, letting you focus on the more interesting aspects of life, like wondering why your coffee never seems to be quite the right temperature. And yes, both allow you to deploy across different clouds with the elegance of a spaceship hopping between star systems.

Now, AWS OpsWorks, the elder of the two, emerged from the AWS galaxy in 2013 and it’s firmly rooted in Amazon’s cloud universe. It likes to think of itself as the wise and all-knowing sage, boasting the ability to integrate seamlessly with other AWS services, including EC2 and containers. If you have a knack for configuration management, OpsWorks supports the mystical tools known as Chef and Puppet and it’s clearly designed for enterprises with a deep love of Amazon's vast cloud empire. Of course, you’ll find that OpsWorks also has the ability to handle EC2 instances and more complex workloads with the grace of a seasoned captain steering through asteroid fields.

Scalr, on the other hand, is the young upstart, having burst onto the scene in 2011 with a more laid-back attitude and a broad vision of managing cloud infrastructure across a variety of platforms. It’s got a sense of humor, preferring simplicity over complexity and catering to small businesses and developers who want to avoid the intense learning curves of the bigger players. With a friendly interface and support for multiple clouds, including AWS, Google Cloud and Azure, Scalr is a little less intimidating. It’s like the friendly neighborhood spaceship mechanic, offering just enough to get the job done without overwhelming you with too many buttons and switches.

See also: Top 10 Cloud Management platforms
Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email stromann@liventerprise.com