Deploying a PHP Application on Azure vs Nimbuz

Modern web applications require deployment platforms that are not only reliable but also easy to manage and scale. Once a PHP application is developed, choosing the right deployment approach plays a crucial role in ensuring uptime, performance, and maintainability.

In this article, we compare two common deployment strategies:

• Deploying a PHP application on a Virtual Machine using Azure
• Deploying a PHP application using a Platform as a Service (PaaS) like Nimbuz

Deploy a PHP Application on Azure Virtual Machine

Azure Virtual Machines provide full control over your infrastructure. However, this also means you are responsible for configuring the environment, installing required software, and maintaining the server.

Step 1: Create an Azure Virtual Machine

• Go to Azure Portal
• Click Create Resource → Virtual Machine
• Configure:OS: Ubuntu (recommended)Size: Basic (for testing)Authentication: SSH / Password
• Click Create

Step 2: Connect to the Virtual Machine

ssh username@your-vm-ip

Step 3: Install PHP and Required Packages

Update system:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Install Apache and PHP:

sudo apt install apache2 php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql -y

Step 4: Upload Your PHP Application

Using Git:

git clone https://github.com/your-repo.git
cd your-project

Or manually upload files using SCP/FTP.

Step 5: Configure Apache

Move your project files:

sudo cp -r * /var/www/html/

Set permissions:

sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/html

Restart Apache:

sudo systemctl restart apache2

Step 6: Configure Database (Optional)
Install MySQL:

sudo apt install mysql-server -y

Secure installation:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

Create database and user for your application.

Step 7: Open Port in Azure

• Go to VM → Networking
• Add inbound rule:Port: 80Protocol: TCPAction: Allow

Access your app:

http://your-vm-ip

Step 8: Enable HTTPS (Optional)

sudo apt install certbot python3-certbot-apache
sudo certbot --apache

Deploy a PHP Application on Nimbuz

Nimbuz is a PaaS platform designed to simplify application deployment by removing infrastructure complexity. It automates runtime setup, networking and scaling so developers can focus purely on code.

Here's a simple, step by step guide to get your app running on Nimbuz:
Nimbuz supports various databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Mssql, n8n and Rabbitmq
If you are using a database, refer to this CloudBeaver blog to learn how to set it up and use it.

Step 1: Go to Applications

• Log in or sign up on Nimbuz platform .
• Navigate to the Applications section.
• Choose your deployment type:
  • Connect your code repository: GitHub or GitLab → Connect account → Pick repo and branch. [OR]
  • Upload your code via zip or tar file: Just upload your code.
• Configure the app port and instance type.

• Set Environment Variables in the Raw Editor

Step 2: Review & Deploy

• Review your deployment details.
• Click Submit to deploy your application and make it live instantly.

Step 3: Track Your Application

Once your application is successfully deployed, you can monitor and manage it from the dashboard. Nimbuz provides detailed insights across different sections.

View deployment status, logs, and recent releases directly in the UI.

Step 4: Application URL & Access

• Go to the Networking tab → Click Generate Domain.

• After clicking Generate Domain, the system generates a public endpoint.
• Your app is automatically served with HTTPS.
• Optionally, map a custom domain.

This allows the application to go live quickly.

Hosting & Endpoint Setup Compared: Azure vs Nimbuz

When deploying a Angular application, both Azure Virtual Machines and Nimbuz Platform can host your application, but the setup process is different.

Azure Virtual Machine:

Manual setup required:

• Create VM
• Install dependencies
• Configure server
• Set up SSL

Result: Flexible but time consuming setup.

In short: Azure provides full control but requires manual configuration.

Nimbuz Platform:

Fully automated:

• Instant domain generation
• Built in HTTPS
• No server setup

Result: Instant hosting with minimal effort.

In short: Nimbuz offers a simple and automated deployment experience for developers with zero DevOps support.

Azure vs Nimbuz: Key Differences

Conclusion

Both Azure and Nimbuz are capable platforms for deploying PHP applications, but they serve different types of users and requirements.

• Azure Virtual Machine → Ideal for developers who need full control over server configuration and infrastructure
• Nimbuz Platform (PaaS) → Best suited for developers looking for quick, automated, and hassle free deployment