should I use Azure DevOps or GitHub with Azure Static Web app, or should I just host my client's site on blob storage?

Question

Hi,

I am moving a client's static pure HTML5/CSS/JS site from their crappy web host to Azure. I had planned to use Azure Static Web App as the Web App Service seems overkill for this use case, and then while researching the answer to my question I came across the possibility to host the site using Azure Storage. All 3 type of deployments have their limitations, especially if trying to keep costs down.

I am not a developer and the site isn't actively updated (I am hoping to get them to move to a WordPress site in the future). I am a hardware guy and I provide IT services and support. I try to avoid CLIs, scripts, and coding whenever possible, and my preference is to keep everything in Azure and not use an external 3rd party service like GitHub, since I would have to create a new account there and track a new set of credentials. However, I will do so if it's a better option.

So, if I go with the Azure Static Web App, should I use Azure DevOps or GitHub to host the code (which is not likely to change, so it's simply going to be a storage location).

So whichever is the best solution, keeping it all in Azure if possible, and as much GUI/WebUI as possible are my preferences, but as mentioned, will use Github if it's better. I know DevOps may be overkill with it's enterprise features.

That's my primary question.

If I go with hosting on Azure Storage, which type of storage do I want?

In order to use a custom domain, I need to use Azure CDN on either service correct? I don't need the CDN, and don't want it (due to data sovereignty preferences and all visitors of value are local and close to the Canada Central datacentre), if I have to use it to get custom domain and SSL with both, thats fine.

Is there any ability to configure Gzip/Brotli compression on either of these options?

Which solution is going to provide the best performance on Google Lighthouse or Page Speed Insights? Which of these two are more secure? or are they both secure options for basic web hosting.

Thanks,
Daniel

Answer 1

Hi @mytechnerdca ,

First, do take a look at the pricing options between Static Web Apps and Storage. But IMHO, I would go Static Web App.

Your client's application does seem small enough that it won't go beyond 500MB Free offering. When you host your stie in storage, there are certain limitations with regards to configuring headers and leveraging AuthN or AuthZ; which I don't believe applies here. but could in the future. Gzip shouldn't be an issue for both. In a nutshell, you setup the storage account, upload your content and you're done. That certainly checks your hands off approach.

However, the reason I would go Static Web Apps is because custom domain, Free SSL, and global distribution of the site (which should be favorable to Lighthouse) are key features that make it worthwhile. Azure DevOps and GitHub are first class citizens, and sure you would have set those accounts (whichever one you're most comfortable with) up, but with CI/CD, you can easily push and rollback changes to the content. Furthermore, you can configure and utilize preview environments to see the changes before pushing them production.

You don't have worry about CLIs or scripts, as both options you can setup and configure all through the portal.