Running Kubernetes on Different Cloud Platforms (AWS EKS, GCP GKE, Azure AKS)
Tags: platformengineers, kubernetes, javascript
Published: 2024-03-22 13:30:57

Kubernetes has become the de facto standard for container orchestration, offering a powerful and flexible platform for managing containerized applications. However, deploying and managing Kubernetes clusters can involve complexities, particularly in cloud environments. This blog post dives into running Kubernetes on three major cloud providers: AWS EKS, GCP GKE, and Azure AKS, analyzing their distinct features and considerations for informed decision-making.

## **1. [AWS EKS](https://aws.amazon.com/eks/): Elasticity and Integration for the AWS Ecosystem**

**Managed Service with Familiar AWS CLI:**  EKS is a managed Kubernetes service that integrates seamlessly with existing AWS [infrastructure](https://platformengineers.io/services/infrastructure-maintenance-and-support/).  AWS CLI tools and IAM roles can be leveraged for cluster management and security, streamlining operations for AWS-centric teams.

**Elastic Container Service for Scaling:**  EKS integrates with the AWS Elastic Container Service (ECS) for scaling based on container resource requirements. This enables horizontal pod autoscaling for efficient resource utilization.

**AWS Marketplace for Applications:**  EKS grants access to the vast AWS Marketplace, offering a rich collection of pre-configured and deployable Kubernetes applications, accelerating development lifecycles.

## **2. [GCP GKE](https://cloud.google.com/kubernetes-engine): Native Integration and Anthos for Hybrid/Multi-Cloud**

**Native Google Cloud Integration:**  GKE boasts tight integration with other Google Cloud Platform services like Stackdriver for monitoring, Cloud Storage for persistent volumes, and Cloud Load Balancing for traffic distribution.

**Anthos for Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Deployments:**  Google Cloud's Anthos extends Kubernetes functionality beyond GCP, enabling consistent management of Kubernetes clusters across on-premises, cloud, and edge environments.

**Advanced Security Features:**  GKE offers built-in security features like Binary Authorization for image validation and Cloud Key Management Service (KMS) for secrets management, enhancing container security posture.

## **3. [Azure AKS](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-in/products/kubernetes-service): Focus on Automation and Integration with Azure Services**

**Azure Container Instances (ACI) for Serverless Workloads:**  AKS integrates with Azure Container Instances (ACI) for serverless deployments. This allows for cost-effective execution of containerized tasks without managing virtual machines.

**Azure DevOps Integration for CI/CD Pipelines:**  AKS offers robust integration with Azure DevOps, enabling streamlined CI/CD pipelines for building, testing, and deploying [containerized applications](https://platformengineers.io/services/containerization/) on Kubernetes.

**Azure Monitor for Comprehensive Cluster Insights:**  Azure Monitor provides comprehensive monitoring and logging capabilities for AKS clusters, offering detailed insights into resource utilization, application health, and overall cluster performance.

## Choosing the Right Platform

**The optimal cloud platform for running Kubernetes hinges on several factors:**

**Existing Cloud Investment:**  If you're already heavily invested in a particular cloud provider's ecosystem, the associated [Kubernetes service](https://platformengineers.io/services/kubernetes-consulting-services/) (EKS, GKE, or AKS) might offer inherent advantages in terms of integration and cost optimization.

**Specific Feature Requirements:**  Carefully evaluate the unique features offered by each platform.  For example, Anthos's hybrid/multi-cloud capabilities might be essential for [complex deployments](https://platformengineers.io/services/ci-cd-implementation/) spanning multiple environments.

**Team Expertise:**  Consider your team's experience and skillset.  If your team is proficient with AWS tools and services, EKS might be a natural fit.

## Conclusion

All three cloud providers, AWS, GCP, and Azure, deliver robust Kubernetes orchestration solutions with distinct strengths. By understanding the core functionalities, integration points, and considerations for each platform, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific requirements and cloud strategy.