AI agents
Strands Agents SDK vs Microsoft Agent Framework
The Azure counterpart of the Strands Agents SDK is Microsoft Agent Framework.
Both are open-source, code-first agent SDKs that deploy to the vendor's managed agent runtime (AgentCore Runtime or Foundry hosted agents).
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Strands Agents SDK | Microsoft Agent Framework |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available |
| What it is | AWS open-source, model-driven SDK for building agents in code. Deployable on AgentCore Runtime or anywhere. | Microsoft's open-source SDK for building agents and multi-agent workflows in code. Recommended as the replacement for Prompt flow and as a hosted-agent framework. |
| Pricing model | Open-source, no charge. | Open-source, no charge. |
| Docs | Strands Agents SDK docs | Microsoft Agent Framework docs |
| Pricing page | — | — |
| Exams | Generative AI Developer – Professional | AI-103 AI-500 |
Key differences
- Both runtimes are framework-agnostic, so you aren't locked into the vendor SDK. LangGraph and the OpenAI Agents SDK run on both.
- Microsoft Agent Framework combines AutoGen's agent abstractions with Semantic Kernel's enterprise features and adds graph-based workflows. Microsoft also recommends it as the replacement for Prompt flow, which retires Apr 20, 2027.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Open-source, no charge.
- Azure
- Open-source, no charge.
Certification exam mapping
| Exam | Provider | Level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Generative AI Developer – Professional | AWS | Professional | current Exam code not confirmed from the official page at build time; shown by name only. |
| Microsoft Certified – Azure AI Apps and Agents Developer Associate AI-103 | Azure | Associate | current Generative AI and agentic solutions with Microsoft Foundry using Python. Successor in scope to the retired AI-102. |
| Microsoft Certified – Multi-Agent AI Solutions Expert AI-500 | Azure | Expert | current |
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 Strands Agents SDK?
The Azure counterpart of the Strands Agents SDK is Microsoft Agent Framework. Both are open-source, code-first agent SDKs that deploy to the vendor's managed agent runtime (AgentCore Runtime or Foundry hosted agents).
How does pricing compare between Strands Agents SDK and Microsoft Agent Framework?
AWS: Open-source, no charge. Azure: Open-source, no charge. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
Which certification exams cover this topic?
AWS Certified Generative AI Developer – Professional; Microsoft Certified – Azure AI Apps and Agents Developer Associate (AI-103); Microsoft Certified – Multi-Agent AI Solutions Expert (AI-500).