Kubernetes has become the de-facto standard for container orchestration and microservices deployment. According to Cloud Native Computing Foundation, over 78% of organizations running containers in production have adopted Kubernetes.
But setting up and managing Kubernetes clusters requires significant expertise. Maintaining high availability, scaling, upgrades, security patching, storage management can become complex.
This is where Managed Kubernetes Services come in handy. They completely abstract out the complexities of Kubernetes and infrastructure management from the end user. You simply launch apps on managed Kubernetes clusters with no cluster admin responsibilities.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the 9 Best Managed Kubernetes Services to simplify app deployment and container management.
What is Kubernetes? A Quick Recap
Before we jump into managed Kubernetes services, let’s do a quick recap of Kubernetes and its key capabilities:
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Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration platform originally designed by Google.
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It helps automate deployment, scaling and operations of containerized applications across clusters of hosts.
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Key functionalities:
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Automatic binpacking – Efficiently schedule containers based on resource needs
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Self-healing – Restart failed containers and replace hosts
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Horizontal scaling – Scale up/down pods/containers
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Service discovery – DNS based discovery makes connecting containers easy
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Storage orchestration – Automated volume management and mountings
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Secret and config management – Securely store config data, keys etc
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Batch execution – One-off tasks and cron jobs
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Kubernetes provides these functionalities through its various components like the API server, etcd store, controller manager, container runtimes and more.
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Other essential Kubernetes resources and objects include:
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Pods – Group of tightly coupled containers
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Services and ingress – Network exposure and load balancing
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Deployments – For releasing new versions of apps
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Persistent volumes and claims – For attaching remote storage
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In summary, Kubernetes takes away all the manual heavy-lifting required for running containerized microservices at scale.
Next, let‘s explore some popular managed Kubernetes options that make app deployment even simpler.
Self-Managed vs Managed Kubernetes Services
Before diving into specific platforms, it‘s important to understand the key differences between self-managed and fully managed Kubernetes:
Self-Managed Kubernetes
This refers to setting up and administering your own Kubernetes clusters without a managed service provider. Steps include:
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Provisioning Kubernetes certified virtual machines or physical servers
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Installing and configuring the control plane components like API server, etcd, controller
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Setting up the data plane node agents on each node
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Configuring networking, storage and securing access
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Continuous maintenance via upgrades, scaling, patching, backups
The key value here is customization and control. But significant in-house Kubernetes expertise is required.
Fully Managed Kubernetes
This refers to using a Kubernetes environment maintained by a service provider. The managed service provider handles:
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Setting up and configuring the Kubernetes control plane
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Managing and updating the Kubernetes masters
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Provisioning worker nodes and container hosting infrastructure
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Configuring storage, networking and access controls
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High availability and autoscaling configurations
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Continuous security patching, upgrades and maintenance
The key value here is simplicity and ease of use. No need to assemble in-house Kubernetes expertise. Just launch apps on a production-ready environment.
Now let‘s explore some leading managed Kubernetes services…
Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)
GKE is a managed Kubernetes service offered by Google Cloud Platform.
Key Features:
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Fully managed control plane and infrastructure
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Deploy to multiple zones for high availability
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Auto scaling of node pools
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Integrated with other GCP services like load balancing, IAM, logging etc
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GPU support for ML workloads
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Private clusters with no internet access
Pricing: Only pay for GKE worker nodes, rest is free. Nodes start at $0.10 per hour.
Overall, GKE makes it trivial to deploy Kubernetes clusters on Google‘s proven infrastructure. Seamless integration with other GCP products.
Ideal Users: Startups on GCP, Enterprises with security policies forbidding hybrid cloud
Serverspace
Serverspace offers enterprise-grade managed Kubernetes with a global footprint across USA, Europe, Canada, Turkey and Kazakhstan.
Key capabilities:
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Quick setup in 10 minutes
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Managed control plane – no cluster admin responsibilities
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Autoscaling, self-healing and seamless upgrades
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Easy horizontal scaling to any container capacity
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Multi-cloud support and flexibility
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24/7 human support
In a nutshell, Serverspace simplifies Kubernetes by removing all cluster maintenance headaches. Just launch apps!
Pricing: Pay only for worker node resources like CPU, memory, storage. Control plane is free!
Ideal Users: Startups and SMBs wanting managed Kubernetes without complexity
OVHcloud
OVHcloud offers a unique CNCF Certified Kubernetes platform managed by their cloud experts.
Key Highlights:
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Managed Kubernetes masters operated by OVHcloud
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Standard conformant certified by CNCF
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Built on latest Intel hardware with SSD storage
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Secure isolated networking
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role based access control (RBAC)
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Easy cluster upgrades to latest versions
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Integrated Kubernetes dashboard
So with OVHcloud, you get a highly robust and secure Kubernetes environment adhering to industry best practices.
Pricing: Free master components. Only pay for worker node resources.
Ideal Users: Startups and mid-size teams wanting robust Kubernetes infrastructure
DigitalOcean Kubernetes
DigitalOcean offers managed Kubernetes tailored for developers with a focus on affordability and ease of use.
Key Attributes:
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Quick cluster deployment in under 10 minutes
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Managed control plane – no maintenance overhead
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Integrated infrastructure monitoring
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Auto scaling of node pools
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Highly affordable nodes starting at $0.10 per hour
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Integrates with other DigitalOcean products like load balancers, block storage etc
So if you‘re already using DigitalOcean or looking for a simple yet powerful managed Kubernetes, this is a great choice.
Pricing: Cluster management fee + compute nodes billing
Ideal Users: Developers, startups, SMBs running on DigitalOcean
Platform9 Managed Kubernetes
Platform9 offers enterprise-grade managed Kubernetes across on-premises, public clouds, and edge sites.
Core Features:
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Single pane of glass for management
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High availability with multi zone clusters
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Node auto scaling and self healing
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Enterprise grade security controls and policies
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Full Lifecycle automation for deployments and rollback
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Multi cloud agnostic – across VMware, AWS, Azure and OpenStack
Platform9 is thus ideal for large enterprises needing consistent Kubernetes across their hybrid infrastructure.
Pricing: Software license fee model based on number of Kubernetes nodes
Ideal Users: Large enterprises managing complex hybrid infrastructure
Red Hat OpenShift
Red Hat OpenShift is a certified enterprise Kubernetes platform with extensive ISV ecosystem support.
Key Highlights:
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Enterprise grade security and governance
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Developer self-service access via SSO
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Broad language and framework support including Java, .NET, PHP, Python, Ruby, Node.js etc
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Integrated CI/CD pipelines
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Unified container registry access
So if you need enterprise-scale container management platform, OpenShift is a battle-tested choice.
Pricing: Annual Platform subscription + Worker node hours
Ideal Users: Large enterprises with legacy and cloud-native application landscapes
Amazon EKS
Amazon EKS makes it easy to deploy and manage Kubernetes on AWS infrastructure.
Core Features:
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Fully managed Kubernetes control plane
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High availability across multiple AZs
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Worker node auto scaling
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IAM integration for authentication
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Security group ingress for network security
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Integrates natively with other AWS services
For teams already on AWS, EKS is thus the easiest path to Kubernetes.
Pricing: Only pay for EKS worker nodes. Control plane is free.
Ideal Users: Startups fully on AWS. Teams wanting native AWS integrations.
Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
Azure Kubernetes Service simplifies deploying managed Kubernetes clusters on Azure.
Key Attributes:
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Deployment in under 5 minutes
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Managed masters and continuous security patching
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Auto scaling node pools
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Native Azure AD integration
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Integrated logging and monitoring
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Hybrid networking support to connect on-premises
For teams running workloads on Azure, AKS is thus the fastest on-ramp.
Pricing: Per cluster management charge + worker node costs
Ideal Users: Companies invested in Azure. Teams wanting hybrid capabilities.
IBM Cloud Kubernetes Service
IBM Cloud offers enterprise-grade Kubernetes leveraging Red Hat OpenShift.
Core Capabilities:
- Highly secure certified Kubernetes
- Automatic scaling, load balancing
- Native IBM Cloud services integration
- Global availability across 6 regions
- Integrated monitoring, logging and visualization
So for regulated industries needing compliant Kubernetes, this is a great pick.
Pricing: Monthly platform access fee + worker node hourly cost
Ideal Users: Enterprises in regulated industries, finance, healthcare etc.
Comparison Summary
Here is a quick comparative glance at the managed Kubernetes services:
| Provider | Infrastructure | Multicloud | Hybrid | Enterprise focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google GKE | Google Cloud | No | Limited | Medium |
| Serverspace | Any cloud | Yes | Yes | Medium |
| OVHcloud | OVH Dedicated | Yes | No | Low |
| DigitalOcean | DigitalOcean | No | No | Low |
| Platform9 | Any cloud | Yes | Yes | High |
| Red Hat Openshift | Any cloud | Yes | Yes | High |
| Amazon EKS | AWS cloud | No | No | Low |
| Azure AKS | Azure cloud | No | Yes | Medium |
| IBM Cloud | IBM Cloud + On-prem | Yes | Yes | High |
Recommendations for Evaluation
Here are some quick pointers to shortlist managed Kubernetes platforms:
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Preexisting Infrastructure – If you are already invested into a cloud like AWS, Azure, GCP or IBM cloud, their native Kubernetes services integrate easiest.
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Multicloud needs – For teams wanting to spread workloads across clouds, Serverspace, Platform9, OpenShift are ideal.
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On-premises/edge needs – Platform9, OpenShift and IBM cloud shine for hybrid deployments.
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Enterprise grade needs – OpenShift, Platform9 and IBM cloud offer highest levels of security and governance.
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Startup/MVP stage – Serverspace, DigitalOcean and GKE are affordable starting points.
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Skill level – All managed platforms eliminate Kubernetes admin complexity. But Platform9, OpenShift and IBM simplify even app deployment.
As always, I recommend trying out services using free trials to gauge the ease of use and capabilities based on your specific needs.
Many also offer always free tiers!
Summary and Key Takeaways
Here are the critical pointers on choosing managed Kubernetes services:
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Managed Kubernetes eliminates infrastructure and cluster administration complexities. Just launch apps!
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All leading cloud providers offer managed Kubernetes closely integrated to their platforms. These work great if you want to leverage other native services.
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For multicloud flexibility, OpenShift, Platform9 and Serverspace allow Kubernetes across on-prem and cloud environments.
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Solutions like OpenShift, Platform9 offer greater levels of security, RBAC and governance for enterprise needs.
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You only pay for worker nodes you use for your containers in most cases. The master components are managed freely.
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Don‘t just evaluate feature checkboxes. Try creating test clusters and apps via free trials to experience ease of use.
I hope reviews of these 9 major Managed Kubernetes providers offer more clarity in picking the right solution! Let me know if you have any other questions.
