Microsoft Azure Cloud Shell is a powerful cloud-based command-line interface (CLI) tool that provides an interactive and browser-accessible shell environment for managing Azure resources. It offers a convenient way for developers and administrators to execute commands and scripts without the need for installing any local tools. While Azure Cloud Shell is a popular choice, there are several alternatives and competitors available in 2024 that offer similar functionalities and even additional features. In this article, we will explore the 10 best Microsoft Azure Cloud Shell alternatives and competitors in 2024.

1. AWS CloudShell

AWS CloudShell is a web-based shell environment provided by Amazon Web Services. It allows users to manage AWS resources using a command-line interface directly from the AWS Management Console. With a pre-configured set of tools and access to AWS CLI, SDKs, and other utilities, AWS CloudShell serves as an excellent alternative to Azure Cloud Shell for developers and administrators working on AWS infrastructure.

2. Google Cloud Shell

Google Cloud Shell is a web-based command-line interface offered by Google Cloud Platform. It provides a Linux shell environment with pre-installed tools and utilities for managing GCP resources. With features like built-in code editor, file storage, and easy integration with other GCP services, Google Cloud Shell is a strong competitor to Azure Cloud Shell for developers and administrators using GCP.

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3. IBM Cloud Shell

IBM Cloud Shell is an interactive web-based shell environment provided by IBM Cloud. It offers a command-line interface with pre-installed tools and utilities for managing IBM Cloud resources. With the ability to work with both IBM Cloud Classic Infrastructure and IBM Cloud Kubernetes Service, IBM Cloud Shell is a viable alternative to Azure Cloud Shell for developers and administrators using IBM Cloud.

4. Oracle Cloud Shell

Oracle Cloud Shell is a browser-based shell environment offered by Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). It provides a Linux shell with pre-configured tools and utilities for managing OCI resources. With seamless integration with other Oracle Cloud services and powerful scripting capabilities, Oracle Cloud Shell competes well with Azure Cloud Shell for developers and administrators using OCI.

5. DigitalOcean Droplets

DigitalOcean Droplets are virtual machines offered by DigitalOcean. While not a traditional cloud shell, DigitalOcean Droplets can serve as an alternative to Azure Cloud Shell by providing a full-fledged Linux-based command-line environment. Users can create and manage Droplets with SSH access, allowing them to execute commands and scripts remotely. DigitalOcean Droplets are particularly suitable for developers and administrators who prefer a more customizable and independent environment.

6. VMware Cloud Shell

VMware Cloud Shell is a command-line interface provided by VMware Cloud Services. It enables users to manage their VMware infrastructure from a web-based shell environment. With features like built-in VMware PowerCLI and integration with other VMware services, VMware Cloud Shell offers a robust alternative to Azure Cloud Shell for administrators working with VMware infrastructure.

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7. OpenStack Horizon

OpenStack Horizon is a web-based dashboard for managing OpenStack-based private clouds. Although primarily a graphical user interface (GUI), OpenStack Horizon also provides a shell interface called "Horizon CLI" that allows users to execute OpenStack commands from the browser. For organizations using OpenStack, Horizon CLI can be a viable alternative to Azure Cloud Shell, providing command-line access to OpenStack resources.

8. Vultr CLI

Vultr CLI is a command-line tool offered by Vultr, a cloud infrastructure provider. It allows users to manage Vultr resources through a shell environment. With features like server deployment, DNS management, and storage control, Vultr CLI can be considered as an alternative to Azure Cloud Shell for developers and administrators working with Vultr infrastructure.

9. Linode CLI

Linode CLI is a command-line interface provided by Linode, a cloud hosting provider. It enables users to manage their Linode resources through a shell environment. With features such as creating, managing, and deploying Linode instances, Linode CLI serves as a viable alternative to Azure Cloud Shell for developers and administrators utilizing Linode infrastructure.

10. Scaleway CLI

Scaleway CLI is a command-line tool offered by Scaleway, a European cloud provider. It allows users to manage Scaleway resources using a shell environment. With functionalities such as server management, object storage, and load balancer control, Scaleway CLI can be an alternative to Azure Cloud Shell for developers and administrators working with Scaleway infrastructure.

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In conclusion, while Microsoft Azure Cloud Shell provides a powerful and convenient command-line interface for managing Azure resources, there are several alternatives and competitors available in 2024 that offer similar functionalities and even additional features. AWS CloudShell, Google Cloud Shell, IBM Cloud Shell, Oracle Cloud Shell, DigitalOcean Droplets, VMware Cloud Shell, OpenStack Horizon, Vultr CLI, Linode CLI, and Scaleway CLI are some of the best Microsoft Azure Cloud Shell alternatives and competitors. Each tool has its strengths, integrations, and specific use cases, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of developers and administrators across different cloud platforms. Depending on the cloud provider and infrastructure being used, users can choose the alternative that best suits their requirements and enhances their productivity in 2024.