Managed Kubernetes Part I: The leading providers in comparison
Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration platform that automates the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. It is used by developers to manage containerized applications at scale and makes it easier to deploy and manage complex microservices architectures. However, managing Kubernetes clusters can be complex. That’s why cloud providers like AWS, GCP, and Azure offer Managed Kubernetes solutions that take care of managing the infrastructure so developers can focus on developing and deploying their applications.
AWS-EKS:
Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS) is a managed Kubernetes service from AWS. EKS provides a fully managed Kubernetes cluster that is integrated with other AWS services such as CloudWatch, CloudTrail, and Elastic Load Balancing. This integration makes it easy to monitor, audit, and load balance applications running on the Kubernetes cluster. EKS also provides automatic updates and patches for the Kubernetes version, as well as security patches for the worker nodes.
Advantages:
- Fully managed Kubernetes service: AWS EKS is a fully managed Kubernetes service, meaning AWS takes care of managing the control plane and worker nodes. This allows developers to focus on developing and deploying their applications without having to worry about managing the infrastructure.
- Integration with other AWS services: EKS integrates seamlessly with other AWS services such as CloudWatch, CloudTrail, and Elastic Load Balancing, making it easier to monitor, audit, and load balance applications running on the Kubernetes cluster.
- Automated updates and patches: EKS provides automatic updates and patches for the Kubernetes version and security patches for worker nodes. This ensures that the cluster is always up to date with the latest security patches and Kubernetes features.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive: EKS can be more expensive compared to other managed Kubernetes solutions. The cost depends on the number of hours and resources used in the cluster.
- Steep learning curve: EKS has a steeper learning curve than other managed Kubernetes solutions, which can be challenging for developers who have not worked with Kubernetes before.
Pricing:
- AWS EKS pricing is based on the number of worker nodes in the cluster and the amount of compute resources they use. The hourly cost for an m5.large worker node in the us-east-1 region is $0.10, and an m5.xlarge worker node costs $0.20 per hour. AWS also charges for data transfer, storage, and other services used in conjunction with EKS.
GCP GKE:
Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) is a managed Kubernetes service provided by Google Cloud Platform (GCP). GKE provides a fully managed Kubernetes cluster that is integrated with other GCP services such as Cloud Storage, Cloud SQL, and Stackdriver. This integration makes it easy to store data, manage databases, and monitor applications running on the Kubernetes cluster. GKE also provides auto-scaling for both the control plane and the worker nodes.
Advantages:
- Fully managed Kubernetes service: GKE is a fully managed Kubernetes service, meaning Google takes care of managing the control plane and worker nodes. This allows developers to focus on developing and deploying their applications without having to worry about managing the infrastructure.
- Integration with other GCP services: GKE integrates well with other GCP services such as Cloud Storage, Cloud SQL, and Stackdriver, making it much easier to store data, manage databases, and monitor applications running on the Kubernetes cluster.
- Automatic scaling: GKE provides automatic scaling for both the control plane and worker nodes to ensure that the cluster can handle increases in traffic and demand.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive: GKE can be expensive compared to other managed Kubernetes solutions. The cost depends on the number and type of nodes used in the cluster.
- Limited support for Windows containers: GKE offers limited support for Windows containers, which can be a disadvantage for companies that rely on Windows applications.
Pricing:
GCP GKE pricing is based on the number and type of nodes used in the cluster. A standard GKE node with 2 vCPUs and 7.5 GB RAM costs $0.10 per hour, while a high-capacity GKE node with 16 vCPUs and 104 GB RAM costs $1.32 per hour. GCP also charges for data transfer, storage, and other services used in conjunction with GKE.
Azure AKS:
Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) is a managed Kubernetes service provided by Microsoft Azure. AKS provides a fully managed Kubernetes cluster that is integrated with other Azure services such as Azure Active Directory, Azure Monitor, and Azure Virtual Network. This integration facilitates access management, application monitoring, and securing network traffic running on the Kubernetes cluster.
Advantages:
- Fully managed Kubernetes service: AKS is a fully managed Kubernetes service, meaning Microsoft takes care of managing the control plane and worker nodes. This allows developers to focus on developing and deploying their applications without having to worry about managing the infrastructure.
- Integration with other Azure services: AKS integrates well with other Azure services such as Azure Active Directory, Azure Monitor, and Azure Virtual Network, making it easier to manage access, monitor applications, and secure network traffic on the Kubernetes cluster.
- Support for Windows containers: AKS offers better support for Windows containers compared to other managed Kubernetes solutions, which can be an advantage for companies that rely on Windows applications.
Disadvantages:
- Limited customization options: AKS offers limited customization options compared to other managed Kubernetes solutions. This can be a disadvantage for organizations that need more flexibility in managing their Kubernetes clusters.
- Slow updates and patches: AKS can be slow when it comes to updating and patching the Kubernetes version and worker nodes, which can be a disadvantage for organizations that require the latest Kubernetes features and security patches.
Pricing:
Azure AKS pricing is based on the number and type of nodes used in the cluster. An AKS node with 2 vCPUs and 7 GB RAM costs $0.081 per hour, and an AKS node with 16 vCPUs and 112 GB RAM costs $1.30 per hour. Azure also charges for data transfer, storage, and other services used in conjunction with AKS.
Overall, the pricing for these managed Kubernetes solutions is comparable, with slight differences in the cost per node and the node types available. It is important to note that pricing may vary by region and the specific services used in conjunction with the managed Kubernetes solution. When choosing a managed Kubernetes solution, other factors such as ease of use, features, and support should be considered in addition to price.
Ease of use: Each managed Kubernetes solution has its own unique features and user interfaces that can impact the usability. For example, AWS EKS is known for its tight integration with other AWS services, while GCP GKE stands out for its simple and intuitive user interface. Azure AKS is designed to work well with other Azure services, making it easier to manage access, monitor applications, and secure network traffic.
Other factors to consider:
Security:
Managing and securing Kubernetes clusters can be complex, so a managed Kubernetes solution can help reduce the risk of security breaches. All three managed Kubernetes solutions offer built-in security features such as role-based access control (RBAC), network policies, and encryption. However, AWS EKS has more security and compliance certifications than GCP GKE and Azure AKS.
Scalability:
Kubernetes clusters can be scaled up or down to meet changing needs. A managed Kubernetes solution can make this task much easier. All three managed Kubernetes solutions offer auto-scaling features that can automatically adjust the number of worker nodes to meet demand. GCP GKE is also known for its ability to handle large Kubernetes deployments, supporting up to 15,000 nodes per cluster.
The integration:
Kubernetes is a popular platform for running containerized applications. A managed Kubernetes solution can provide additional integrations that make it easier to deploy and manage applications. For example, AWS EKS integrates well with other AWS services such as Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, and AWS Lambda. GCP GKE integrates well with Google Cloud Storage, Google Cloud SQL, and Google Cloud Functions. Azure AKS integrates well with Azure Container Registry, Azure Container Instances, and Azure Functions.
Support:
Managing Kubernetes clusters can be very complex. A Managed Kubernetes solution can provide additional support to help organizations operate and manage their Kubernetes implementations. All three Managed Kubernetes solutions offer support through documentation, forums, and support tickets. AWS EKS also has a reputation for offering more comprehensive support options, including 24/7 support and access to AWS experts.
When selecting a managed Kubernetes solution, companies should also consider the following factors:
- Availability: Organizations should choose a managed Kubernetes solution that provides high availability and redundancy to minimize downtime and ensure application availability.
- Compliance: Organizations may need to meet certain compliance requirements such as HIPAA or GDPR. It is important to choose a managed Kubernetes solution that meets these requirements.
- Flexibility: Companies may want a managed Kubernetes solution that is flexible and can be customized to their specific needs, e.g. through custom integration or automation.
- Vendor lock-in: When selecting a managed Kubernetes solution, organizations should not ignore vendor lock-in and therefore choose a solution that allows easy migration to other platforms or solutions if necessary.
Conclusion
In summary, managed Kubernetes solutions in AWS, GCP and Azure offer a range of features and benefits, but also have their individual advantages and disadvantages. Factors such as ease of use, security, scalability, integration, support, cost and other considerations must be carefully considered when selecting the right managed Kubernetes solution for your organization.
At Skillbyte, we understand the importance of choosing the right Managed Kubernetes solution for your business. Our team of experts will help you evaluate your needs and requirements and recommend the best solution for your individual requirements. In addition, we provide ongoing support to ensure that your Kubernetes implementation runs smoothly and efficiently.
If you want to learn more about managed Kubernetes solutions or need help choosing the right solution for your business, contact us at Skillbyte today. We’re here to help you succeed.
