Comparing 3 Managed Kubernetes Providers : GKE (GCP), EKS (Microsoft , AKS (Amazon)
In the tech world, there’s a tool called Kubernetes that’s really popular for running and organizing apps in a neat way. It’s like a smart system that helps keep everything running smoothly. But when it comes to choosing a service that helps manage all this, it gets a bit tricky because there are so many choices.
The big names in this area are Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS), and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).
In this article where we talk about GKE, EKS, and AKS, we’re going to explain these top choices in a simple way, so even if you’re not very into tech, you’ll get what they’re all about.
What is K8s?
Kubernetes, often abbreviated as K8s, is a tool used to manage containers efficiently. It helps automate the process of deploying, scaling, and managing workloads across different containers. The main idea behind Kubernetes is to make it easier to run applications reliably and with less manual effort. This frees up developers to focus more on writing code rather than managing the underlying infrastructure.
Kubernetes can do everything that Docker Compose does, but on a larger scale. It can start containers, manage their connections and interactions, and distribute them across multiple servers. It also keeps an eye on the health of each container and takes action if it detects any failures, ensuring that the application keeps running smoothly.
One of Kubernetes’ handy features is its ability to automatically adjust the number of containers based on the workload. This helps optimize resource usage and ensures that the application can handle varying levels of demand without manual intervention.
When it comes to deployment, Kubernetes uses a file (typically in YAML format) to describe the desired state of the containers and their settings. It then takes care of creating and configuring the necessary resources based on this file, making the deployment process streamlined and consistent.
What Problem Does K8s Solve ?
Before introducing Kubernetes (K8s), it’s essential to grasp the problems it aims to address. K8s is tailored to streamline the management of communication between containers across hundreds or thousands of hosts, particularly in the development of large-scale services.
Prior to the emergence of K8s, Docker provided a means to swiftly launch microservices composed of containers using Docker Compose on a single server. Developers could simply craft a YAML file, configure parameters, and execute the file to initiate or halt a set of interconnected services.
While Docker Compose effectively simplified testing and deployment processes, its operational scope was confined to a single host. In scenarios demanding collaborative efforts across multiple hosts for large-scale services, its capabilities seemed insufficient. Consequently, K8s emerged with automated deployment and scaling features for containers, emerging as the optimal solution for managing container communication at scaleIntroduction to Managed Kubernetes Services
Before diving into the specifics of GKE, EKS, and AKS, let’s understand the basics. Managed Kubernetes is like having a personal chauffeur for your Kubernetes journey. It’s a service offered by cloud providers to ease the burden of managing Kubernetes clusters, ensuring they run smoothly without you breaking a sweat.
K8s Architecture And Workflow
The image below illustrates a cluster within the Kubernetes (K8s) platform. The individuals within this K8s Cluster are collectively referred to as Nodes. These Nodes are categorized into either Workers or Masters based on their respective roles.
You can think of the Worker Node as the body’s core, responsible for executing tasks, while the Master Node serves as the brain, issuing instructions and overseeing operations.
On the right side of the image, you’ll find the Worker Node, typically equipped with more computational resources as it handles numerous applications.
On the left side of the image, you’ll see the Master Node. The Control Plane, a set of management programs, runs on the Master, overseeing scheduling and maintaining the overall Cluster’s status.
Within the Worker Node, multiple Pods are active. A Pod represents the fundamental unit for operations and deployments in K8s, allowing multiple Containers to coexist within it. Kubernetes leverages Pods to bundle and manage Containers, enhancing scheduling and deployment flexibility.
Now that you know the purpose let’s get into the nitty-gritty details.
Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)
Google Kubernetes Engine, often referred to as GKE, is a managed Kubernetes service offered by Google Cloud. Kubernetes, the underlying technology, is an open-source container orchestration platform that automates the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. GKE takes this powerful technology and simplifies it, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes.
When it comes to using Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), you have two primary options to consider: GKE Standard and GKE Autopilot. Both of these offerings have their own unique features and advantages, and choosing the right one for your specific use case is crucial.
GKE Standard is the more traditional approach to managing Kubernetes clusters on Google Cloud. It provides you with a high level of control and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for experienced Kubernetes users who want to fine-tune every aspect of their clusters.
GKE Autopilot takes a different approach by abstracting many of the underlying cluster management tasks, allowing you to focus more on your applications and less on cluster maintenance. It is designed to simplify the Kubernetes experience and is an ideal choice for those who want to reduce operational overhead.
Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS)
Amazon EKS is a managed Kubernetes service that makes it easy to run Kubernetes on AWS. It eliminates the need to install, operate, and maintain your own Kubernetes control plane. EKS provides a high-availability, scalable, and secure Kubernetes environment.
Here are some of the benefits of using Amazon EKS:
- Managed Kubernetes control plane: EKS manages the Kubernetes control plane for you, so you don’t have to worry about its availability, scalability, or security.
- Simple cluster creation: You can create an EKS cluster with just a few clicks. EKS also supports a variety of cluster configurations, so you can choose the one that best meets your needs.
- Integrated services: EKS integrates with other AWS services, such as Amazon Elastic Container Registry (ECR), Amazon Elastic Load Balancing (ELB), and Amazon CloudWatch. This makes it easy to build and deploy containerized applications on AWS.
- Secure by default: EKS is secure by default. It uses industry-standard security features, such as encryption and authentication, to protect your Kubernetes clusters.
Here are some of the use cases for Amazon EKS:
- Running containerized applications: EKS is a great way to run containerized applications on AWS. It provides a scalable and reliable environment for running your applications.
- DevOps: EKS can be used to automate the deployment and management of containerized applications. This can help you improve your DevOps processes.
- Hybrid and multi-cloud deployments: EKS can be used to deploy Kubernetes clusters in hybrid and multi-cloud environments. This gives you the flexibility to run your applications on the best platform for each workload.
Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) simplifies deploying a managed Kubernetes cluster in Azure by offloading the operational overhead to Azure. As a hosted Kubernetes service, Azure handles critical tasks, like health monitoring and maintenance. When you create an AKS cluster, a control plane is automatically created and configured. This control plane is provided at no cost as a managed Azure resource abstracted from the user. You only pay for and manage the nodes attached to the AKS cluster.
Here are some of the benefits of using Azure AKS:
- Managed Kubernetes control plane: AKS manages the Kubernetes control plane for you, so you don’t have to worry about its availability, scalability, or security.
- Simple cluster creation: You can create an AKS cluster with just a few clicks. AKS also supports a variety of cluster configurations, so you can choose the one that best meets your needs.
- Integrated services: AKS integrates with other Azure services, such as Azure Container Registry (ACR), Azure Load Balancing, and Azure Monitor. This makes it easy to build and deploy containerized applications on Azure.
- Secure by default: AKS is secure by default. It uses industry-standard security features, such as encryption and authentication, to protect your Kubernetes clusters.
Comparing GKE vs EKS vs AKS
Now that we’ve met our Kubernetes Managed Services, let’s compare Kubernetes GKE, EKS, AKS in some key areas.
Check my last updated Kubernetes Exam Guides (CKAD , CKA , CKS) :
Conclusion
In conclusion, GKE, EKS, and AKS are like three different cars on the same racetrack. They all have their unique strengths and features, and the one you choose should align with your goals, budget, and existing infrastructure.
So, put on your seatbelt and get ready to accelerate your containerized applications with the managed Kubernetes provider that suits you best.
