Demystifying Kubernetes on AWS: A Comparative Analysis of Deployment Options

Kubernetes has become the industry-standard platform for container orchestration, offering automated deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. Its ability to efficiently utilize resources, abstract infrastructure complexities, and provide robust enterprise features makes it essential for modern application infrastructure.

While Kubernetes can run on-premises, deploying on AWS provides significant advantages, including on-demand scaling, cost optimization, and integration with AWS services for security, monitoring, and operations. With multi-AZ high availability and a global presence in 32 regions, AWS delivers the reliability needed for mission-critical applications.

Once you have decided to run your Kubernetes workload on AWS, the big question is, what are the available options, and which is the right one for me? This blog will focus on these exact questions and provide the insights to help you make the right choice

1. Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS)

Amazon EKS is a managed Kubernetes service that handles the control plane operations across three AWS Availability Zones with a 99.5% availability SLA for the Kubernetes API server. This managed approach allows you to focus on applications rather than infrastructure management while providing seamless integration with AWS services like ELB, IAM, EBS, and EFS.

For the data plane, EKS offers multiple options:

• EC2-based self-managed node groups (you manage the infrastructure)
• EC2-based managed node groups (AWS handles provisioning and lifecycle)
• AWS Fargate for a serverless experience (no node management required)

When to Choose Amazon EKS

• You want a fully managed Kubernetes control plane and minimal operational overhead.
• You need integration with other workloads running in the AWS cloud.
• You need enterprise-grade security and compliance.
• You prefer a pay-as-you-go model.
• Scaling is a priority.

2. Red Hat OpenShift Service on AWS (ROSA)

ROSA combines Red Hat's enterprise Kubernetes platform with AWS infrastructure. It provides automated installation, upgrades, and lifecycle management with joint support from Red Hat and AWS. The service offers a 99.95% uptime SLA for the OpenShift API server, with Red Hat managing the platform, including security patches and updates.

Worker nodes run on EC2 instances and integrate with both the OpenShift control plane and AWS services. ROSA includes built-in developer services such as CI/CD pipelines, container registry, and serverless capabilities.

When to Choose Red Hat OpenShift Service

• You have existing OpenShift investments or expertise.
• You need enterprise-grade support for both platform and infrastructure.
• You require features such as integrated CI/CD, security features like image scanning, etc.
• You want the benefits of OpenShift's developer experience while leveraging AWS infrastructure and services.

3. VMware Tanzu on AWS

For organizations heavily invested in VMware and seeking a hybrid cloud strategy, Tanzu on AWS provides consistent Kubernetes management across on-premises and AWS environments. Tanzu provides automated provisioning, scaling, and lifecycle management. VMware handles platform maintenance, including security updates and version upgrades.

Tanzu leverages EC2 instances for worker nodes managed through Tanzu Mission Control or kubectl. It also provides native AWS service integration.

When to Choose VMware Tanzu

• You have existing VMware investments or are pursuing a multi-cloud strategy.
• You need consistent Kubernetes management across hybrid environments.
• You require enterprise governance, security, and compliance features.
• You want VMware's application platform capabilities while utilizing AWS infrastructure.

4. EKS Anywhere on AWS

What if you want to have the native EKS experience but need a hybrid setup with certain workloads running on-premises and the rest on AWS? EKS Anywhere extends Amazon EKS to on-premises infrastructure while maintaining consistency with cloud-based EKS. It implements the same Kubernetes distribution as EKS with automated deployment capabilities and lifecycle management tools.

While AWS provides support options, customers manage their own infrastructure and availability requirements. EKS Anywhere supports various infrastructure platforms, including VMware vSphere and bare metal servers, and includes tools for monitoring, GitOps-based deployment, and an optional container registry.

When to Choose EKS Anywhere

• You need to run Kubernetes workloads on-premises while maintaining operational consistency with EKS in the cloud.
• You have data sovereignty, latency, or regulatory requirements that necessitate on-premises infrastructure.
• You prefer the familiar EKS experience and tooling across all environments.
• You are implementing a hybrid cloud strategy and need consistent management across both environments.

5. Self-Managed Kubernetes on EC2

This option provides complete control by letting you install, configure, and operate the entire Kubernetes platform on EC2 instances. You have full responsibility for cluster deployment, upgrades, scaling, maintenance, high availability, and security.

Both control plane and worker nodes run on EC2 instances that you select and configure. Despite requiring more operational effort, this approach enables full AWS service integration through APIs and SDKs. Deployment can leverage tools like kops or kubeadm.

When to Choose Self-Managed Kubernetes on EC2

• You require complete control over Kubernetes configurations
• You have specific security or compliance requirements that require customized deployments or specialized Kubernetes distributions
• Your team has strong Kubernetes expertise and operational capabilities.
• You want to avoid the additional management fee associated with EKS.

6. Amazon EKS Distro (EKS-D)

EKS-D is the open-source version of the Kubernetes distribution used in Amazon EKS. It provides the same binaries, configuration, and security patches as EKS, ensuring compatibility and consistency. However, you are responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of both the control plane and worker nodes.

While AWS provides regular updates aligned with the EKS release schedule, since you are technically not running your workloads on AWS, you must implement these updates yourself without AWS SLA guarantees. EKS-D can be used with various third-party management solutions or AWS's open-source tools.

When to Choose Amazon EKS Distro

• You want to use the same Kubernetes distribution as EKS but need to run it on non-AWS infrastructure.
• You require a consistent, reliable Kubernetes foundation across heterogeneous environments.
• You have the operational expertise to manage Kubernetes clusters yourself.
• You need specific deployment configurations not supported by EKS or EKS Anywhere.

Making the Right Choice

As you saw, there are multiple ways to deploy your Kubernetes workloads entirely on AWS or adopt a hybrid approach. The choice ultimately depends on a variety of factors such as:

• Operational aspects
• Cost and expertise
• Features and integration requirements
• Use case alignment
• Security and compliance

To make this decision easier, below is a decision matrix that evaluates the different choices across the various factors mentioned above. Based on your unique circumstances, you can score each of the choices, which will help you pick the right approach for your Kubernetes workload.

Operational Aspects

Notes:

• ¹ Through managed node groups 
• ² For EKS components only 
• ³ Unless separate support contract

Cost and Expertise

Features and Integration Requirements

Use Case Alignment

Security and Compliance