Draft:Managed Kubernetes


Managed Kubernetes is is a cloud-based software service where a third-party provider manages the Kubernetes infrastructure on behalf of the user.[1] Kubernetes, an open-source platform originally developed by Google and now maintained by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), is widely used for automating the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications.[2] Managed Kubernetes services aim to simplify the complexities of running Kubernetes by handling tasks such as cluster provisioning, upgrades, monitoring, and scaling.[3][4]

Managing a Kubernetes environment can be complex and resource-intensive, requiring specialized knowledge and continuous effort to maintain the infrastructure, security, and scalability. Managed Kubernetes services address these challenges by allowing organizations to outsource the operational aspects of running Kubernetes. These services provide automated updates, scalability, and security management, freeing up development teams to focus on application development rather than infrastructure management.[5]

History

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Managed Kubernetes emerged as a solution to the complexity of running Kubernetes, which was initially released by Google in 2014. With Kubernetes gaining traction as the standard for container orchestration, early adopters faced challenges in managing and scaling their clusters. This led to the introduction of managed Kubernetes services like Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) in 2015, followed by Amazon EKS and Azure AKS in 2017.[6][7]

By 2018, managed services became more widespread, simplifying Kubernetes management by automating key tasks and allowing users to focus on application development rather than infrastructure management.[7][8]

Features of Managed Kubernetes

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Managed Kubernetes services provide a comprehensive approach to simplifying Kubernetes management. They offer automated provisioning, scaling, and upgrading of clusters, which reduces operational overhead and minimizes the potential for human error during these processes.[9] Integrated monitoring and logging services are also commonly included, providing real-time insights into cluster health and performance, which helps organizations proactively address issues before they impact applications. Built-in security features, such as automated security patches and role-based access control (RBAC), ensure that the environment remains secure and compliant with industry standards. Managed Kubernetes also supports automated scaling based on demand, ensuring efficient resource usage, and is often integrated with other cloud-native services like managed databases, load balancers, and storage solutions, which simplifies the deployment of complex applications.[10][11][12]

Distributions

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Managed Kubernetes services are offered by various vendors. Managed Kubernetes distributions typically offer automated management of the Kubernetes control plane, integrated security features, and scaling capabilities, among other conveniences.

Several managed distributions are listed below:

  • Google GKE (Google Kubernetes Engine)
  • Microsoft AKS (Azure Kubernetes Services)
  • IBM Cloud Kubernetes Services
  • Amazon EKS (Elastic Kubernetes Service)
  • Gcore Managed Kubernetes
  • Alibaba Cloud ACK (Alibaba Cloud Container Service for Kubernetes)
  • Amazon EKS (Elastic Kubernetes Service)
  • DigitalOcean managed Kubernetes Service
  • Huawei CCE (Huawei Cloud Container Engine)
  • IBM Cloud Kubernetes Services
  • Oracle Container Engine for Kubernetes
  • Wind River Systems Wind River Studio

References

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  1. ^ "Production-Grade Container Orchestration". kubernetes.io. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
  2. ^ "Kubernetes". CNCF. 2024-08-10. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
  3. ^ "Borg, Omega, and Kubernetes - ACM Queue". queue.acm.org. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  4. ^ "What is Managed Kubernetes". Gcore. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  5. ^ "Unmanaged vs managed Kubernetes | DigitalOcean". www.digitalocean.com. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  6. ^ Nachmany, Udi. "Kubernetes: Evolution Of An IT Revolution". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  7. ^ a b Susnjara, Stephanie (2023-11-02). "The history of Kubernetes". IBM Blog. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  8. ^ Buchanan, Steve (2020-09-17). "What is Kubernetes, and why is its popularity exploding in the cloud?". Microsoft Industry Blogs - United Kingdom. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  9. ^ Gcore (2024-05-31). "Managed Kubernetes vs. Self-Managed Kubernetes". Gcore. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
  10. ^ Burns, Brendan; Tracey, Craig (2018). Managing Kubernetes: operating Kubernetes clusters in the real world (1st ed.). Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly Media. ISBN 978-1-4920-3391-2. OCLC 1034956361.
  11. ^ "Role Based Access Control Good Practices". kubernetes.io. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  12. ^ Stovell, Paul. "Council Post: How To Reduce The Complexity Of Kubernetes Deployments". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-08-08.