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ROI Calculator1 Introduction to EHS Technology Needs
2 Overview of Each Platform
Salesforce
AWS
Azure
6 Deployment Models & Architecture
7 EHS Functional Capabilities Comparison
8 Integration and Interoperability
9 Security, Compliance & Data Governance
10 Cost & Licensing Models
11 AI & Analytics Capabilities
12 Industry-Specific Support
13 Ecosystem & Vendor Support
14 Real-World Use Cases
15 Pros, Cons & Best Fit Scenarios
Final Verdict
17 Conclusion

The platform you choose for EHS dictates your future compliance, scalability, and cost. Get the definitive Salesforce vs AWS vs Azure EHS breakdown.
In today's mission-critical regulatory environment, Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) is a strategic imperative. Organizations are moving beyond fragmented spreadsheets, demanding scalable, modern Cloud EHS software that can handle everything from complex EHS compliance tracking to real-time risk mitigation. This digital migration forces leaders to confront a pivotal architectural decision: should they opt for an Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) provider like AWS or Azure, or choose a powerful Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) ecosystem like Salesforce? The platform choice dictates deployment speed, long-term costs, and the capacity to leverage advanced capabilities like Predictive safety analytics. The technical debate between Salesforce vs AWS vs Azure EHS is central to future-proofing your safety program.
In this blog, we provide an essential, data-driven comparison of Salesforce vs AWS vs Azure EHS, dissecting their architecture, functional capabilities, security posture, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) to empower EHS and IT leaders to make an informed strategic decision.
Modern EHS programs demand more than simple data logging; they require highly intelligent, integrated systems capable of managing thousands of processes, users, and regulatory requirements globally. Successful EHS leadership today is built on centralized data, mobile accessibility, and automated workflows. The pressure to consolidate data across global operations, integrate with operational technology (OT), and provide real-time field access is driving demand for advanced Cloud EHS software.
Core capabilities needed in an EHS platform include:
Before we dive into the specific platform comparisons, let's first establish a baseline understanding of what each of the three technology giants offers to the modern enterprise.
A true EHS platform comparison hinges on understanding the provider's fundamental architectural philosophy.
Salesforce offers a Low-code EHS solution platform built on its PaaS model. Its strength lies in rapid application development, leveraging the massive AppExchange ecosystem and native workflow tools. EHS solutions built on Salesforce instantly inherit core business functionalities, lowering the bar for deployment and customization.
AWS is an infrastructure-first, IaaS provider. It supplies raw computing power, storage, and networking blocks, offering maximum flexibility for custom-built applications. However, this flexibility requires significant in-house development effort to create a fully functional EHS system, utilizing tools like its data lake for Predictive safety analytics.
Azure provides an Enterprise Cloud Ecosystem, focusing heavily on hybrid cloud and deep integration with the Microsoft stack. It is valued for built-in security and compliance tools and offers seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and the Power Platform, appealing to enterprises heavily invested in the Microsoft environment.
The core difference between PaaS and IaaS is the single greatest determinant of cost, complexity, and deployment timeline for an EHS system.
This section contrasts with the architectural models that define EHS deployment. Salesforce, as a PaaS, provides the application framework, managing the operating system, middleware, and core infrastructure. The customer focuses solely on configuration. AWS and Azure, operating primarily as IaaS, only provide the raw computer and storage. The customer is responsible for building, securing, and maintaining the entire EHS application stack from the OS.
| Component Managed | Salesforce (PaaS) | AWS / Azure (IaaS) |
| Application Layer | Managed by Vendor | Managed by Customer |
| Operating System | Managed by Vendor | Managed by Customer |
| Storage & Compute | Managed by Vendor | Managed by Customer |
| EHS Functionality | Configuration Only | Custom Code Required |
We will compare their guaranteed uptime SLAs, inherent scalability for global operations, and data availability. All three offer robust scalability, but Salesforce's multi-tenant architecture is pre-optimized for application scaling, whereas IaaS requires manual or scripted resource provisioning.
The architectural foundation must directly support the specialized features EHS teams need to operate effectively in the field and office.
The choice between platforms determines the sophistication and ease-of-use of your EHS features:
In the connected enterprise, the ability to seamlessly exchange data with other major systems is non-negotiable for EHS effectiveness.
For EHS to function as a strategic business partner, it must be deeply integrated with core enterprise systems to pull employee data and job roles, and linking to IoT sensors for real-time safety monitoring.
Given the sensitive nature of health and environmental records, security and compliance protocols are paramount.
For EHS records, compliance, and data security are non-negotiable. All three offer robust security, but their compliance models differ significantly:
With the security requirements established, we must turn to the financial implications of each platform's choice.
Understanding the TCO is crucial in this EHS platform comparison:
Finally, we evaluate the platform's ability to use data to move EHS beyond simple compliance into the realm of proactive risk mitigation.
The next competitive frontier is the ability to enable Predictive safety analytics:
To summarize this complex comparison, we synthesize our findings into a clear set of pros, cons, and best-fit scenarios.
EHS requirements vary drastically across sectors like oil & gas, manufacturing, utilities, and construction.
This robust third-party validation and network is part of the larger ecosystem advantage
The platform ecosystem is a major differentiator in any EHS platform comparison.
Let's look at how these platforms translate into real-world EHS implementations.
Companies Using Salesforce for EHS: Large, decentralized manufacturing and utilities firms often choose Salesforce for its superior mobile capabilities and workflow automation, allowing them to rapidly deploy a unified Low-code EHS solution globally.
Finally, we synthesize all data points into clear recommendations for decision-makers.
This decision matrix provides a clear breakdown for the Salesforce vs AWS vs Azure EHS choice:
| Platform | Pro | Con | Best Fit Scenario |
| SALESFORCE | Fastest Time-to-Value, Low-code EHS solution Platform, Native Workflow | Subscription Cost Model, Less Control over Infrastructure | Mid-to-Large Enterprises prioritizing speed, user experience, and integrated business processes. |
| AWS | Maximum Flexibility, Lowest Raw IaaS Pricing for Massive Scale | High Development/Maintenance Effort, Slowest Time-to-Value | Organizations with massive data science teams, looking for full control over the stack and willing to build from scratch. |
| AZURE | Seamless M365 Integration, Hybrid Cloud Strength | Higher Complexity than PaaS, Requires IaaS Expertise | Enterprises heavily invested in the Microsoft stack and prioritizing enterprise security integration. |
Based on the evidence gathered, we deliver a final verdict on the superior architectural foundation for most modern EHS programs.
The optimal Cloud EHS software choice is the one that delivers the best balance of flexibility, compliance, cost, and speed. While AWS and Azure offer undeniable infrastructure power, their IaaS model places the heavy burden of application development, maintenance, and complex EHS compliance tracking squarely on the customer. Salesforce, by offering a proven PaaS/Low-code EHS solution, delivers the fastest time-to-value, lower TCO (when factoring in development/maintenance), and out-of-the-box workflow sophistication.
For the majority of organizations seeking a highly functional, integrated EHS system without relying on an internal software development team, the Salesforce ecosystem is the superior strategic choice in the Salesforce vs AWS vs Azure EHS debate.
This deep dive has consistently shown that the foundation of your EHS platform is as important as the features it delivers. The strategic choice is shifting from simply having infrastructure to leveraging a platform that accelerates business value. By adopting a proven platform like Salesforce, organizations can leverage pre-built Low-code EHS solutions to meet rigorous EHS compliance tracking demands and rapidly deploy features like Predictive safety analytics without the prohibitive cost and timeline of custom IaaS development.
Key Takeaways
The Qualityze Advantage: Built for EHS Success
Qualityze is an enterprise-grade EHS solution built natively on the Salesforce Platform. We eliminate the need for costly custom builds on AWS or Azure by providing a validated, Low-code EHS solution that inherently leverages Salesforce’s security, compliance, and workflow capabilities. Stop architecting and start managing safety with a proven, integrated system.
See firsthand how Qualityze transforms your EHS management. Discover how our Salesforce-powered solution can accelerate your EHS compliance tracking, incident reporting, and safety audits.
Ready to move beyond the platform debate? Request your personalized demo of the Qualityze EHS Suite today!