Many developers have already begun using Kubernetes on Azure. But now the service has its very own official program, known as Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). Additionally, Microsoft has unveiled some new tools to make managing Kubernetes containers on Azure even easier. Here’s some more information about the new managed Kubernetes service and improvements to the experience.
AKS for beginners
For those who have yet to try running Kubernetes on Azure, the platform has a couple of tools to make the learning curve easier. First, DevOps Project support for AKS allows developers to create a new AKS cluster, containerize their application, deploy it with a VSTS CI/CD pipeline, and view integrated insights in just a few clicks. There’s also a new Azure Portal experience for Azure Kubernetes Service that offers create and browse options to make it easier for cluster operators to configure and manage Kubernetes.
New AKS features
In addition, there are some new features to go along with the reconfiguration of the platform that even existing users should be able to enjoy. For example, users can now deploy Kubernetes nodes into an existing VNET or into custom VNETs using Azure CNI. Another new feature is an integration with Azure Monitor, which offers control plane telemetry, log aggregation, and container health monitoring all within the Azure portal. AKS also will support exposing public applications natively by using an ingress controller, offering HTTP application routing so that users can access applications without having to configure DNS records and nameservers. And finally, Microsoft is unveiling new Windows containers that can use on top of AKS. Those containers can be accessed through a public preview program.
Dev Spaces
Azure Kubernetes Service also gives users access to the new Dev Spaces capability. To use it, you just need your IDE and the Azure CLI. Then you can create a new Dev Space within AKS and begin working on any component of your microservice component without having to worry about any traffic flows that might impede production. This capability integrates service mesh technology and hot code swapping to give developers access to advanced functions for running containers inside AKS.
