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The cloud layer refers to the server infrastructure. Creating a server on your preferred cloud service provider (CSP) involves a number of services. While the CSP is mainly responsible for securing such services, customers must still be responsible for securing and monitoring their data. 

CSPs provide their own set of Kubernetes container hosting environments. Although Kubernetes offers a wide choice between providers, we have a large number of options. And migrating your project to the cloud is regarded as one of the most important Kubernetes security best practices. 

In this article, I will introduce you to some cloud service providers for K8 programmes and discuss how to select the best CSP.

How to Choose the Right Cloud Service Provider

Here are some things to think about as you look for the best platform to manage your container workloads: 

Data Security

While selecting a CSP, you should be aware of each provider's security governance approach, methodologies, and processes for data and application maintenance. A CSP must adhere to stringent security laws as well as industry best practices. It should also give some level of confidentiality for sensitive data and administrative powers for restricting, monitoring, banning, and allowing user data access.

Performance and Reliability

Reliability is a must-have key for any cloud-based application. You should evaluate any cloud service provider's dependability and compatibility by comparing their performance over the past months. 

Standards and Certifications

Before selecting a Kubernetes provider, ensure that the provider provides best industry practices and established industry level standards. It would be beneficial if you also understood how the provider intends to maintain these standards on an ongoing basis. A good Kubernetes provider should have excellent knowledge management, visibility of service status, effective data management, and structured processes. 

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Cloud Service Providers for K8s Programs

There are numerous cloud services for running Kubernetes-based container workloads. Let's take a closer look at what some Kubernetes cloud service providers has to offer. 

Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service

Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS) by Amazon is a managed container service that allows developers and users to launch, run, and expand Kubernetes applications on, near, or within the AWS cloud. 

EKS also enables you to schedule, plan, and execute container workloads across several AWS regions. Amazon EKS makes it easy to manage your apps and Kubernetes clusters across hybrid environments, and Kubernetes tasks may run batch workloads in parallel or sequentially on your EKS cluster. We can also use EKS with AWS services such as App Mesh, CloudTrail, and IAM. Furthermore, worker nodes may be deployed and operated on Amazon EC2 or Fargate, both of which provide a serverless approach with invoicing based on real memory and CPU resources consumed.

Pricing: The cost of creating a cluster on EKS is around $0.10 for every hour used.

Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) 

Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) is a service created by Google for deploying, maintaining, and scaling applications. The GKE environment consists of multiple compute engine instances clustered together to form Kubernetes-powered clusters. You may have access to Google's full cluster management tools by hosting a GKE cluster (scaling, logging, monitoring, node auto-repair, load-balancing, and more). 

GKE also allows customers to design and run clusters according on their budget and workload availability needs. GKE also lets you manage your Kubernetes clusters by deploying, administering, and monitoring their applications. Auto-scaling and Kubernetes auto-updates are included.

Pricing: The cost of creating a cluster on GKE is around $0.10 for every hour used.

Microsoft Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) is a Kubernetes service that provides security and availability. It also simplifies the deployment to deploy and manage containerized apps. AKS also provides a CI/CD experience that is integrated, serverless, and secure, and offers enterprise-grade governance. AKS can help your team create, deliver, and scale apps fast. 

You can also integrate Azure services like Azure Dev Spaces, VSCode, and Azure DevOps. In contrast to other providers, Azure does not charge a fee for Kubernetes cluster management. However, you must pay for the resources that you use, such as networking, storage, and virtual machine instances. 

Pricing: Kubernetes worker nodes are billed based on the resources used.

Red Hat OpenShift

Red Hat OpenShift is a managed solution for deploying Kubernetes to any cloud that is highly configurable and flexible. It is specifically built for developers who employ and use an open hybrid cloud strategy.

In addition, OpenShift supports multi-tenancy, includes a separate image registry, and provides significant CI/CD tools support. It is built on the OpenShift Origin open source project.

Pricing: Red Hat OpenShift's hourly pricing starts at $0.171 for worker node and $0.03/hour for Kubernetes master nodes.

VMware Tanzu

VMware Tanzu is a service that enables users to create and manage Kubernetes systems alongside regular VMware workloads. By integrating Kubernetes with VMware technologies such as NSX, vSphere, and vSAN, you can manage VMware Kubernetes through clusters within the same software defined data centre (SDDC). You can also prepare your infrastructure for new apps by deploying reliable, composable Kubernetes across the board using VMware Tanzu.

It gives developers a self-service, compliant experience that speeds production while enhancing security with out-of-the-box security rules and data-protection tools. VMware Tanzu enables operators to create a safe collection of container images that developers can take and go, accelerating development and delivery.

Pricing: It begins at $995 per CPU.

Conclusion

For container workload administration, there  are numerous cloud service providers to choose from.You must compare the services offered by various providers and what they offer. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of the various managed Kubernetes services will help you select the appropriate provider for your project's needs.