What is Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)? A Complete Guide

Most people refer to Kubernetes as K8s. The Cloud Native Computing Foundation now maintains it after Google originally designed it. It runs containers on clusters and works with various container tools, frequently using Docker-built images. Joe Beda, Brendan Burns, and Craig McLuckie started Kubernetes. K8s v1.0 was initially announced mid-2014 and released on July 21, 2015. AKS (Azure Kubernetes Service) is a fully managed open-source container orchestration solution available on the Microsoft Azure public cloud and was released in June 2018. ​

According to Statista, 61 per cent of respondents stated that they frequently used Kubernetes in 2022. An open-source container orchestration system called Kubernetes is used to manage, scale, and automate the deployment of software applications. The need for fully-managed Kubernetes services has grown recently, although Kubernetes has established itself as the de facto orchestration engine for managing containerised workloads in production.  

The best feature of Azure Kubernetes Service is that you don't require immense knowledge and skill in container orchestration to manage AKS. With less downtime, AKS allows provisioning, scaling, and upgrading resources as needed or demanded in the Kubernetes cluster. Everything about Microsoft Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) is discussed in this blog, including its uses, features, benefits, and operational details. Read further to learn more.

Table of Contents

1) What is Kubernetes?

2) What is Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)?

3) How can you run Kubernetes in Azure?

4) What are the benefits of running Kubernetes in Azure?

5)Architecture of AKS 

6) Uses of AKS  

7) Features of Azure Kubernetes Service 

8) Azure Kubernetes Service Use Cases

9) What are the differences between AKS and service fabric?

10) AKS vs. ACS 

11) Azure Kubernetes Service Pricing 

12) Conclusion 

What is Kubernetes?

You might be wondering what is Kubernetes? Kubernetes, is an open-source orchestration system that simplifies the deployment and scaling of containerised workloads.Despite being widely embraced, the manual setup and maintenance of a Kubernetes cluster remain complex. Microsoft's Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) streamlines the management of Kubernetes clusters, making operational tasks more straightforward.

Containers offer a great solution for packaging and running applications. When it comes to running them in a production environment, multiple challenges arise, including:

1) Managing failover scenarios

2) Scaling applications horizontally

3) Facilitating service discovery

4) Implementing diverse deployment strategies

5) Ensuring container security
 

  

What is Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)?

Microsoft Azure is a well-known cloud platform for small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs) to major corporations. Kubernetes is a cutting-edge strategy that quickly replaces traditional management practices for cloud-native apps in a production setting. Both solutions have been combined into the Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), enabling users to rapidly and easily build fully managed Kubernetes clusters.   

When using Azure's Kubernetes architecture to build modern apps, AKS is unquestionably the best platform. Azure Container Instances are an excellent option for deploying containers on the public cloud. The difficulty developers experience when deploying and operating their apps on the Kubernetes architecture is reduced by using Azure Container Instances.   

It is a fully managed service that enables you to operate Kubernetes in Azure without having to handle your Kubernetes clusters. It includes some basic aspects such as: 

a) You have to pay only for the nodes in Azure Virtual Machines (VMs).b) It is compatible with several Open Source Software's (OSS), Azure tools and services.  

c) Azure manages essential tasks like health monitoring and maintenance as a hosted Kubernetes service.  

d) Cluster Autoscaler allows Kubernetes to scale nodes.  

e) During the deployment process, AKS automatically configures each Kubernetes node that manages and controls the worker nodes.  

f) With Azure Monitor, users may view all clusters or monitor a specific cluster directly. 

Advantages and disadvantages of AKS 

AKS has some proven advantages which offer numerous features. Let’s take a quick look at some of them: 

1) AKS offers an excellent Windows support system 

2) Setting up the virtual network and subnet is incredibly easy 

3) Strong backing for the command line 

4) Integration with Azure Active Directory for cluster authentication 

The following are a few of AKS' drawbacks because it is a relatively new technology and many of its functions are still being tested:  

1) The option to supply a cloud-in or user data script is not available, and the Virtual Machines do not directly permit customisation

2) Once it has been deployed, the server type cannot be modified 

3) Node changes are not carried out automatically 

4) Nodes do not automatically recover from failure 

How can you run Kubernetes in Azure?

You can run Kubernetes in Azure through various service options available. Following are the few service options you can opt for:

Azure Kubernetes Service

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) simplifies Kubernetes cluster deployment in Azure by handling key tasks like health monitoring and maintenance. When using AKS, you only need to oversee agent nodes, with no charges for Kubernetes master nodes, as they are auto configured.

Features like Azure AD integration, advanced networking, and monitoring can be customised. You can create AKS clusters through the Azure CLI, Azure Portal, or via infrastructure as code (IaC) solutions like Azure Resource Manager templates or TerraForm.

Azure container instances

Containers have emerged as the preferred approach for packaging and overseeing cloud applications. Azure Container Instances offer an efficient method for Container Management in Azure, eliminating the need to manage Virtual Machines. These instances start almost instantly, thanks to their minimal overhead compared to Azure VMs. 

You can import Linux or Windows container images from various sources like DockerHub, your personal Azure Container Registry, or any Docker registry. Azure Container Instances also maintains a cache of commonly used base operating system images to expedite the deployment of custom images.

Azure Service Fabric

Service Fabric is a distributed platform for packaging and deploying microservices applications using containers, resolving key challenges in cloud-native development. It specialises in creating stateful services, offering flexibility through its programming model and support for stateful containerised services in the language or code you prefer. 

Service Fabric clusters can be set up on various platforms, including local Linux machines, Windows Server, or other public cloud services. Service Fabric underpins core Microsoft services like Power BI, Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB, Dynamics 365, and Skype.

What are the benefits of running Kubernetes in Azure?

Running Kubernetes in Azure offers numerous advantages for organisations deploying and managing containerised applications. The following are the key benefits:

1) Seamless integration: Azure seamlessly integrates with Kubernetes, simplifying the deployment and management of containerised applications on Azure infrastructure.

2) Scalability: Azure's scalable infrastructure accommodates the evolving requirements of modern applications. Kubernetes in Azure effortlessly scales to meet application demands.

3) Availability: Azure ensures high availability and disaster recovery for Kubernetes clusters, ensuring uninterrupted operation and swift recovery from disruptions.

4) Security: Azure provides robust security measures, encompassing network security, identity and access management, and encryption, enhancing the security of Kubernetes clusters and their applications.

5) Automation: Azure features automation capabilities that streamline the deployment, scaling, and management of Kubernetes clusters and associated applications, reducing time and effort in infrastructure management.

6) Hybrid cloud capabilities: Azure supports hybrid cloud deployments, allowing organisations to run Kubernetes clusters on-premises and in the cloud, with the flexibility to migrate applications between these environments effortlessly.

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Architecture of AKS

When a user creates an Azure Kubernetes Service cluster, a control plane is immediately built and configured. The user cannot directly access the control plane because it is a controlled Azure resource. The resources in the control plane: 

a) Allows management tools to interact 

b) Keeps the Kubernetes cluster in good shape and configured 

c) Contains workload schedule and node specifications 

d) Manages simpler tasks like performing node activities or recreating Kubernetes pods. 

The Azure platform configures secure communication between the nodes and the control plane while the user specifies the size and number of nodes. There is at least one node in an AKS cluster. The resources used by a node to support cluster operation are the central processing unit and memory. Node pools are collections of nodes with identical configurations. 

AKS Deployments cover two resource groups: 

a) Kubernetes service resource group- Provides access control for several Kubernetes clusters. 

b) Node resource group- Contains all the infrastructure resources related to the cluster. 

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Uses of AKS 
 

Due to the frequent deployment of many containers across various servers, maintaining containerised programs can be challenging. These containers can be scheduled, deployed, scaled to the desired state, and their lifecycles are managed using Kubernetes. Implement your container-based apps with Kubernetes for portable, scalable, and flexible development. Let’s take a glimpse at some of the uses offered by AKS: 

1) Create portable workloads 

Running container programs on Kubernetes makes them portable because they are independent of their underlying infrastructure. Transfer them between on-premises, hybrid, and various cloud environments while keeping consistency from local machines to production. 

2) Easily move containers 

With Kubernetes, you can define complex containerised apps and distribute them across a server cluster, or even many clusters. Kubernetes automatically monitors and maintains container health as it scales applications according to your requirement. 

3) Make your apps more flexible 

Extensions and plugins that give Kubernetes additional features like security, monitoring, and management are actively developed by a sizable open-source community of programmers and businesses. Additionally, every Kubernetes version must provide APIs to comply with the Certified Kubernetes Conformance Program. 

4) Effective resource management 

The fully managed AKS provides simple containerised application deployment and management with effective resource management that elastically adds new resources without the effort of overseeing the Kubernetes infrastructure. 

5) Faster application development 

Bug fixes took up the majority of the developers' time. Patching, automatic updates, and self-healing are all handled by AKS, which also makes container orchestration simpler. It undoubtedly saves a great deal of time, allowing developers to work more efficiently while concentrating on creating their programs. 

6) Rapid integration and development 

By simplifying infrastructure maintenance, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) enables auto-upgrades, monitoring, and scaling, which results in noticeably quicker development and integration. Additionally, it allows users to quickly add new compute resources to Serverless Kubernetes without having to worry about maintaining the infrastructure. 

7) Security and compliance 

One of the most essential aspects of modern organisations and apps is cybersecurity. AKS connects with Azure Active Directory (AD) and provides users with on-demand access, reducing risks and threats. AKS complies fully with all legal and regulatory standards, including System and Organization Controls (SOC).  

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Features of Azure Kubernetes Service 

In addition to managing the health and monitoring of the managed Kubernetes service, Microsoft Azure provides the Azure Kubernetes Service, which makes it easier to install managed Kubernetes clusters in a public cloud environment. Customers can manage the agent nodes and create AKS clusters using the Azure interface or Azure CLI.   

Advanced networking, monitoring, and interaction with Azure AD are among the various features. Let's discuss the features that Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) offers: 

1) Corporate engagement in an open-source setting 

To make Kubernetes simpler for companies to use and developers to contribute to open-source projects, Microsoft has hired a huge number of workers in recent years. By providing best practices and cutting-edge knowledge from a variety of clients and users to the Kubernetes community, Microsoft is the third key contributor to making Kubernetes more business-oriented, cloud-native, and accessible. 

2) Clusters and nodes  

Applications and similar services are run on Kubernetes nodes in Azure Kubernetes Service, and the AKS cluster is made up of one or more nodes. Furthermore, Azure Virtual Machines are used to run these AKS nodes. The term "node pool" refers to a collection of nodes that have the same configuration. Nodes in the Kubernetes cluster can be scaled up or down depending on the cluster's need for resources. So, the key elements of your Azure Kubernetes setup are nodes, clusters, and node pools. 

3) Role-based access control (RBAC) 

AKS links to Azure Active Directory (AD) easily, enabling identity- and group-based role-based access, security, and monitoring of Kubernetes architecture. You can also monitor the effectiveness of your apps and AKS with the help of RBAC.  

4) Incorporating development tools 

Another essential factor of AKS is the integration of development tools like Helm and Draft, allowing Azure Dev Spaces to give developers a more rapid and adaptive Kubernetes development experience. In the Azure Kubernetes environment, containers can be directly executed and debugged with minimal impact on the settings. 

5) Using Azure Kubernetes Service to run any workload 

The AKS ecosystem allows for the orchestration of any kind of workload. You can move.NET applications to Windows Server containers, update Java applications in Linux containers, or use Azure Kubernetes Service to host microservices. Any workload can be run by AKS in a cluster environment.  

6) Reduces complexity 

Your implementation, installation, maintenance, and security challenges in the Azure cloud architecture are eliminated by AKS. When you are not subjected to per-cluster fees, it also significantly saves costs. 

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Azure Kubernetes Service Use Cases

Let’s now take a look at the real-life use cases of Azure Kubernetes Services:  

Let’s now take a look at the real-life use cases of Azure Kubernetes Services: 

1) Cluster multi-tenancy 

Two clusters of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) environments are divided, separating production from lower-level environments like dev/stage. The use of namespaces offers the same operational benefits while saving money and reducing operational complexity by not installing an AKS cluster per SDLC environment. 

2) Scheduling and resource quotes 

Scheduling and resource quotas must be implemented to guarantee that applications and the services they depend on receive the resources needed for operation because several SDLC environments and other apps use the same cluster. You can ensure that your apps receive the resources they require, and the compute infrastructure is scaled in as per your requirement when you integrate cluster auto-scaler with it. 

3) Azure AD (Active Directory) integration 

Azure AD is used to authenticate/authorise users so that they can access and start CRUD (create, read-only, and delete) actions against Azure Kubernetes Service clusters. The idea of least privilege is applied while giving the appropriate individuals the level of access they need to fulfil their responsibilities. AD integration makes it convenient and simple to integrate authentication layers (Azure and Kubernetes). 

4) Pod Identities 

Pod Identity is installed into the default namespace and dynamically assigns Managed Identities to the relevant pods based on the label, as compared to hardcoding static credentials within your containers. As a result, your sample application can now write to Cosmos DB (multi-model database service), along with the CI (Continuous Integration)/CD (Continuous Deployment) pipelines which can now deploy containers to the production and staging clusters. 

5) Ingress Controller 

By implementing ingress rules and routes, and offering application services through reverse proxying, traffic routing/load balancing, and Transport Layer Security (TLS) termination, ingress controllers bring traffic into the AKS cluster. This makes it possible for us to uniformly distribute traffic across all of our application services, ensuring that we can scale and fulfil dependability standards. 

6) Monitoring 

Naturally, the key to ensuring uptime and proactively resolving possible problems is to regularly check the performance and operations of your AKS clusters. Application services hosted on the AKS cluster can be readily monitored and debugged using Azure Monitor with the help of AKS' toggle-based approach. 

7) Application migration 

You can quickly move current applications to containers and operate them on Azure Kubernetes Service. Additionally, Open Service Broker for Azure (OSBA) allows you to manage access using Azure AD integration and Service Level Agreement (SLA)-based Azure Services like Azure Database. 

8) Streamlining the setup and management of apps based on microservices 

AKS can also be used to ease load balancing, horizontal scaling, self-healing, and secret management as well as the creation and maintenance of microservices-based apps. 

9) Integrating DevOps with Kubernetes  

Another trusted tool for integrating Kubernetes and DevOps and securing DevOps implementation with Kubernetes is AKS. Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) with dynamic policy controls enhances both the security and speed of the development process. 

10) Scalability 

Azure Container Instances (ACI) and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) can be used to scale applications easily in many additional use cases. By doing this, you may use an AKS virtual node to create Azure Container Instance (ACI) pods that start up quickly and give AKS access to the resources it needs to function. When your AKS cluster runs out of resources, it will automatically scale out new pods without the need for extra servers to be managed in the Kubernetes environment. 

11) Real-time data streaming  

AKS can also be used to consume, analyse, and execute fast analysis on real-time data streams with data points from sensors. 

What are the differences between AKS and service fabric?

Azure Service Fabric is a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solution crafted to simplify the creation, deployment, and management of applications within the Azure cloud ecosystem.

In this context, "fabric" serves as a synonym for "framework." Applications constructed in the Service Fabric environment are structured as discrete microservices, communicating through service APIs.

Service Fabric is an excellent choice for applications using Windows Server containers or ASP.NET Internet Information Services applications. It paves the way for scalable, cloud-based configurations, even when employing more conventional programming approaches. It is often used to migrate existing Windows-based applications to Azure without requiring full re-architecture.

The critical distinction between AKS and Service Fabric lies in their focus: 

1) AKS primarily caters to Docker-first applications using Kubernetes, while Service Fabric is oriented toward microservices and supports various runtime strategies. For instance, Service Fabric can deploy both Docker and Windows Server containers.

2) Both Service Fabric and AKS offer integrations with other Azure services, but Service Fabric enjoys deeper integration with Microsoft's products and services, given its exclusive Microsoft development.

3) Unless your application heavily relies on the Microsoft technology stack, a cloud-agnostic orchestration service like Kubernetes is typically more suitable for most containerised applications.

AKS vs ACS

Before the introduction of Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Microsoft provided Azure Container Service (ACS), which offered support for a variety of open-source container orchestration platforms, including Docker Swarm, Mesosphere Data Center Operating System, and Kubernetes. Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) now concentrates exclusively on Kubernetes usage. Users of ACS who are primarily focused on Kubernetes have the option to transition from ACS to AKS.

Migrating from ACS to AKS entails addressing several notable differences. For instance, AKS employs managed disks, necessitating the conversion of unmanaged disks to managed ones before their allocation to AKS nodes. 

Similarly, any persistent storage volumes or customised storage class objects linked to Azure disks must be converted to managed disks.

The migration from ACS to AKS can impact stateful applications, potentially causing downtime and data loss. Therefore, developers and application owners should conduct thorough research and preparation before undertaking this migration.

Azure Kubernetes Pricing

Azure Kubernetes Service is a cost-free container service that doesn't charge anything for managing Kubernetes clusters. It is the most cost-effective container orchestration service on the market since you only pay for the cloud resources, including virtual machines, storage, and network resources, that you use. To estimate the cost of the resources used or needed, Microsoft Azure developed the Container Services calculator. 

All you have to do is create a free account, install your Kubernetes environment, and manage it while creating microservices, along with setting up Kubernetes clusters, and keeping an eye on and managing your Kubernetes environment.

Conclusion

Businesses are managing modern, cloud-native apps and migrating quickly from on-premises to the cloud. An open-source solution for deploying cloud-native applications is Kubernetes. Azure Kubernetes Solution provides a dependable and cost-effective container orchestration service. A powerful service for running containers in the cloud is Azure Kubernetes Service. We hope that this blog will help you learn the Azure Kubernetes Service step-by-step. 

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