Is There Any Reason Not to Use Managed Kubernetes on a Public Cloud?

When considering whether to adopt managed Kubernetes on a public cloud, the answer often is: it depends. However, there are certain scenarios where using managed Kubernetes may not be the best choice. This article explores the reasons why one might want to avoid managed Kubernetes and provides key insights into when and why to opt for a self-managed Kubernetes cluster.

When to Avoid Managed Kubernetes

Vendor Lock-In

Managed Kubernetes services offered by public cloud providers are convenient but also come with the risk of vendor lock-in. If you choose a managed Kubernetes service, you are entrusting significant responsibilities to your cloud provider. This can make it challenging to migrate to another cloud provider in the future if your needs change or if you seek better service or pricing.

Loss of Control and Understanding

Managed services abstract a lot of the complexity involved in running a Kubernetes cluster. However, this can be problematic if you do not fully understand the underlying infrastructure and configurations. Relying solely on the managed service can leave you vulnerable if something goes wrong. While vendor support can help, you should still be ready to manage your own cluster if necessary.

Outdated Stack

Cloud providers may occasionally lag behind the latest upstream Kubernetes releases. If your application or infrastructure relies on cutting-edge features or bug fixes, you may need to run a self-managed Kubernetes cluster to stay up-to-date. This ensures that your applications always benefit from the most recent advancements without the delays caused by provider updates.

Traditional Workloads

If your workloads are traditional and do not align well with the principles and capabilities of Kubernetes (such as containers and microservices), using managed Kubernetes might add unnecessary complexity. Instead, consider if your existing architecture and operational model would be better served by sticking with more traditional platforms or services.

Opportunistic Learning and Application

Public cloud providers are increasingly integrating Kubernetes into their offerings, and it's crucial for teams to gain hands-on experience with this technology. For teams that are not yet proficient in Kubernetes, adopting a managed service can be a good learning tool. Once your team becomes proficient, you may find that the benefits of a self-managed cluster outweigh the convenience of a managed service.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether to use managed Kubernetes on a public cloud depends on your specific needs, goals, and expertise. While managed services provide convenience and support, they may not be the best choice if you are in the business of custom Kubernetes components or need access to bleeding-edge features.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to stick with traditional workloads or do not have a strong need for the latest Kubernetes features, self-managing a Kubernetes cluster might be more appropriate. Additionally, if you are new to Kubernetes, managed services can be a valuable learning tool, but as your proficiency grows, you might reconsider the benefits of self-managed Kubernetes.

Remember, the decision should be based on a thorough understanding of your requirements and the trade-offs involved. Always weigh the benefits against the potential risks and complexity before making a decision.