NoSQL (key-value, document, wide-column, graph)
Amazon Keyspaces (for Apache Cassandra) vs Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Cassandra / Azure Managed Instance for Apache Cassandra
Amazon Keyspaces maps to Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Cassandra (serverless-style, RU-based) or Azure Managed Instance for Apache Cassandra (managed open-source Cassandra clusters).
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Amazon Keyspaces (for Apache Cassandra) | Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Cassandra Azure Managed Instance for Apache Cassandra |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available Generally available |
| What it is | Serverless, Cassandra Query Language (CQL)-compatible wide-column database with on-demand or provisioned capacity and multi-Region replication. | Cassandra Query Language-compatible API on Cosmos DB, with RU-based throughput and Cosmos DB global distribution. Managed open-source Apache Cassandra datacenters, deployed into your VNet on VM scale sets, that can join existing on-premises or other-cloud Cassandra clusters. |
| Pricing model | On-demand per read and write request unit, or provisioned capacity, plus storage. | Cosmos DB for Cassandra uses RU-based pricing. Managed Instance bills per VM node-hour plus disks. |
| Docs | Amazon Keyspaces (for Apache Cassandra) docs | Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Cassandra docs Azure Managed Instance for Apache Cassandra docs |
| Pricing page | Amazon Keyspaces (for Apache Cassandra) pricing | Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Cassandra pricing Azure Managed Instance for Apache Cassandra pricing |
| Exams | SAA-C03 | DP-420 AZ-305 |
Key differences
- Engine. Keyspaces and Cosmos DB for Cassandra both implement CQL on their own engines, so some Cassandra features differ. Managed Instance runs real Apache Cassandra for the highest compatibility.
- Hybrid. Managed Instance datacenters can join existing on-premises or other-cloud Cassandra clusters. Keyspaces can't join existing clusters.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- On-demand per read and write request unit, or provisioned capacity, plus storage. Amazon Keyspaces (for Apache Cassandra) pricing →
- Azure
- Cosmos DB for Cassandra uses RU-based pricing. Managed Instance bills per VM node-hour plus disks. Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Cassandra pricing → Azure Managed Instance for Apache Cassandra pricing →
Certification exam mapping
| Exam | Provider | Level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Microsoft Certified – Azure Solutions Architect Expert AZ-305 | Azure | Expert | current English version updated Apr 17, 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 Keyspaces (for Apache Cassandra)?
Amazon Keyspaces maps to Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Cassandra (serverless-style, RU-based) or Azure Managed Instance for Apache Cassandra (managed open-source Cassandra clusters).
How does pricing compare between Amazon Keyspaces (for Apache Cassandra) and Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Cassandra and Azure Managed Instance for Apache Cassandra?
AWS: On-demand per read and write request unit, or provisioned capacity, plus storage. Azure: Cosmos DB for Cassandra uses RU-based pricing. Managed Instance bills per VM node-hour plus disks. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
Which certification exams cover this topic?
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03); Microsoft Certified – Azure Cosmos DB AI Developer Associate (DP-420); Microsoft Certified – Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305).