AWS Step Functions vs Nintex Automation CE
AWS Step Functions
aws.amazon.comNintex Automation CE
nintex.comSide by side
| Figure | AWS Step Functions | Nintex Automation CE |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 4 |
| Spec score · Process Orchestration Software | 7.9 (#11) | 7.9 (#12) |
| Integrations | Service integrations connect workflows to over 200 AWS services, and AWS SDK integrations can invoke over 9,000 API actions from over 200 services. | Nintex describes native cloud integrations and connections to on-premises data, including Nintex Gateway connections to SharePoint, SQL, and WebServices. |
| Security | Step Functions uses IAM to control access to AWS services and resources, and AWS requires TLS 1.2 while recommending TLS 1.3 for network clients. | The platform page describes role-based access, audit trails, environment protection, GDPR alignment, and SSO through Azure AD, Okta, and other SAML 2.0 providers. |
| Workflow design | Workflows are state machines written in Amazon States Language, and the console includes a visual workflow designer called Workflow Studio. | Builders can use drag-and-drop design or generative AI prompts to create processes, workflows, forms, and documents. |
Plans
AWS Step Functions
- Free TierFree
- Express WorkflowsPrice not published
- Standard WorkflowsPrice not published
Nintex Automation CE
- EssentialsPrice not published
- ProPrice not published
- ExpertPrice not published
- Nintex Automation Cloud Pricing (3 tiers: Essentials, Pro, and Expert)$15,000 a year
In their own words
AWS Step Functions
AWS Step Functions is a cloud workflow service for coordinating AWS services and HTTPS endpoints, including SaaS applications. Workflows are state machines written in Amazon States Language, with Workflow Studio providing a visual designer. Definitions can branch, run steps in parallel, set timeouts, retry failures, and handle errors with try/catch or rollback patterns. Service integrations connect to over 200 AWS services, while AWS SDK integrations can invoke over 9,000 API actions. HTTPS endpoint integration connects directly to HTTP-based services. Distributed Map can process large datasets, including Amazon S3 data, with up to 10,000 parallel child executions in one Map Run. Execution history, CloudWatch Logs, and AWS X-Ray support review and tracing. Standard executions can run for up to one year; Express executions can run for up to five minutes. Task, state, or execution input and output is limited to 256 KiB. A Free Tier plan is listed at free indefinitely; Standard and Express plans bill usage.
Nintex Automation CE
Nintex Automation CE is a cloud-first platform for building and managing business process automations. It combines workflow automation with dynamic case management, modular workflow phases, and AI agents intended to respond to changing conditions and exceptions. Builders can create workflows, processes, forms, and documents using drag-and-drop tools or generative AI prompts. Bundled solutions include assets and tools for building, testing, and deploying processes, plus templates and an AI-powered solution designer. Document features include AI actions for extracting, translating, summarizing, and analyzing sentiment in incoming documents and images; users can also create documents and send them for e-signature. Connections include cloud services and on-premises data through Nintex Gateway, including SharePoint, SQL, and WebServices. The platform names Salesforce, Microsoft Power Platform, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics 365 among its integrations. Pricing is on request; a listed starting price is $15,000 a year.