NoSQL (key-value, document, wide-column, graph)
Amazon DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) vs Azure Cosmos DB integrated cache (dedicated gateway)
DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) maps to the Azure Cosmos DB integrated cache, which runs on a dedicated gateway.
Both are read-through caches tied to the database's own API.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Amazon DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) | Azure Cosmos DB integrated cache (dedicated gateway) |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available |
| What it is | DynamoDB-compatible, in-memory, write-through cache cluster for microsecond read latency. | Item and query cache built into a dedicated gateway that you size by node count and node size, for the API for NoSQL. |
| Pricing model | Per DAX node-hour by node type. | Per dedicated gateway node-hour by size. |
| Docs | Amazon DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) docs | Azure Cosmos DB integrated cache (dedicated gateway) docs |
| Pricing page | Amazon DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) pricing | Azure Cosmos DB integrated cache (dedicated gateway) pricing |
| Exams | DVA-C02 Retiring SAA-C03 | DP-420 |
Key differences
- DAX is a separate cluster that uses a DAX client and offers microsecond reads with write-through. The Cosmos DB integrated cache is an item and query cache inside the dedicated gateway, used by switching the SDK to gateway mode with the dedicated gateway endpoint.
- Cached reads on Cosmos DB consume no RUs, which can lower throughput costs.
- The integrated cache works only with the API for NoSQL.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Per DAX node-hour by node type. Amazon DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) pricing →
- Azure
- Per dedicated gateway node-hour by size. Azure Cosmos DB integrated cache (dedicated gateway) pricing →
Certification exam mapping
| Exam | Provider | Level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Developer – Associate DVA-C02 | AWS | Associate | retiring Being updated to DVA-C03. Registration for DVA-C03 opens Oct 27, 2026. Last day to take DVA-C02 is Nov 30, 2026. |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate SAA-C03 | AWS | Associate | current Italian version retires after Dec 31, 2026. |
| Microsoft Certified – Azure Cosmos DB AI Developer Associate DP-420 | Azure | Associate | current Renamed from Azure Cosmos DB Developer Specialty and moved to Associate level on Oct 6, 2026. |
Relevance is based on each exam's published scope, not a line-by-line objective match. Check the official study guide.
FAQ
What is the Azure equivalent of Amazon DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX)?
DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) maps to the Azure Cosmos DB integrated cache, which runs on a dedicated gateway. Both are read-through caches tied to the database's own API.
How does pricing compare between Amazon DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) and Azure Cosmos DB integrated cache (dedicated gateway)?
AWS: Per DAX node-hour by node type. Azure: Per dedicated gateway node-hour by size. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
Which certification exams cover this topic?
AWS Certified Developer – Associate (DVA-C02) [retiring]; AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03); Microsoft Certified – Azure Cosmos DB AI Developer Associate (DP-420).