GKE vs EKS vs AKS: Choose Right Kubernetes Service

Confused about GKE vs EKS vs AKS? Discover the pros, cons, pricing, and best use cases of each Kubernetes service. Don’t risk choosing the wrong platform—find out which one gives your business the edge before your competitors do! #centlinux #kubernetes #k8s

Introduction to Managed Kubernetes

Kubernetes has quickly become the backbone of cloud-native infrastructure, serving as the go-to platform for automating deployment, scaling, and managing containerized applications. But while Kubernetes itself is powerful, it’s not always simple to set up and maintain. Managing clusters manually involves handling control planes, scaling worker nodes, configuring networking, implementing security policies, and maintaining continuous upgrades. This complexity created a demand for managed Kubernetes services, where cloud providers handle much of the heavy lifting.

That’s where GKE (Google Kubernetes Engine), EKS (Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service), and AKS (Azure Kubernetes Service) come in. These are the three dominant managed Kubernetes offerings from the biggest cloud providers: Google Cloud, AWS, and Microsoft Azure. Each aims to simplify Kubernetes adoption, but they do so with varying levels of automation, ecosystem integration, and cost efficiency.

Before we dive into comparing them, let’s briefly highlight why managed Kubernetes is so important today. Businesses want to build and deploy apps faster, ensure availability across regions, and reduce DevOps overhead. Instead of manually wrestling with Kubernetes, teams can rely on cloud-native solutions that are optimized for performance and security right out of the box.

• GKE stands out for its automation, deep Kubernetes integration, and advanced features like autopilot mode.
• EKS leverages AWS’s massive cloud ecosystem, making it a natural choice for organizations already invested in Amazon Web Services.
• AKS is tightly integrated with Microsoft tools like Active Directory and offers a smooth experience for enterprises in the Azure ecosystem.

In this guide, we’ll explore each platform in detail, look at their pros and cons, and then compare them side by side across critical factors like scalability, networking, monitoring, and pricing. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of which managed Kubernetes service fits your organization’s needs best.

What is Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) is a fully managed Kubernetes service offered by Google Cloud. Since Kubernetes originated at Google, it’s no surprise that GKE is often seen as the most feature-rich and “native” implementation of Kubernetes among the three major providers. GKE automates most of the cluster management tasks, such as upgrades, scaling, and monitoring, making it especially appealing for teams that want a hands-off experience.

Key Features of GKE

• Autopilot Mode: Automatically manages infrastructure, including node scaling and upgrades, leaving teams to focus solely on workloads.
• Integrated Monitoring: Out-of-the-box integration with Google Cloud Monitoring and Logging.
• Security Enhancements: Features like Workload Identity, shielded nodes, and binary authorization.
• Multi-cluster Support: Seamless multi-cluster management and multi-region deployments.
• Serverless Kubernetes: Integration with Cloud Run and Anthos for hybrid/multi-cloud environments.

Pros of Using GKE

• Deep Kubernetes expertise and tight integration.
• Advanced automation (less manual intervention needed).
• Rich ecosystem for hybrid and multi-cloud (Anthos).
• Strong networking features and auto-scaling.

Cons and Limitations of GKE

• Can become expensive with advanced features enabled.
• Requires familiarity with Google Cloud (less appealing for AWS/Azure-heavy organizations).
• Steeper learning curve for enterprises not already using Google services.

Best Use Cases for GKE

• Startups and enterprises looking for maximum automation with Kubernetes.
• Organizations adopting hybrid or multi-cloud strategies.
• Teams that want cutting-edge Kubernetes features with minimal manual management.

Read Also: Kubernetes Basics for Sysadmins

What is Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS)?

Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS) is AWS’s managed Kubernetes solution. Unlike GKE, which feels very Google-native, EKS focuses on offering Kubernetes while tapping into AWS’s vast infrastructure and ecosystem. AWS is known for being highly customizable, and EKS reflects that by giving teams more flexibility, albeit with a bit more management overhead compared to GKE.

Key Features of EKS

• Deep AWS Ecosystem Integration: Works seamlessly with services like IAM, VPC, CloudWatch, and AWS Fargate.
• High Availability: Multi-AZ deployments by default.
• Scalable Infrastructure: Easily scale worker nodes across EC2 instances or serverless with Fargate.
• Custom Networking Options: Advanced VPC networking capabilities.
• Compliance & Security: Strong security and compliance support (HIPAA, PCI, etc.).

Pros of Using EKS

• Ideal for organizations heavily invested in AWS.
• Strong security and compliance support.
• Flexibility in choosing compute (EC2, Fargate, on-prem via Outposts).
• Global presence with AWS’s expansive infrastructure.

Cons and Limitations of EKS

• Steeper setup and management compared to GKE.
• Some automation features (like upgrades) are less polished.
• Costs can add up, especially with EC2 + EKS combination.

Best Use Cases for EKS

• Enterprises already running workloads on AWS.
• Companies needing compliance-heavy workloads (finance, healthcare, etc.).
• Organizations that want hybrid or on-premises options with AWS Outposts.

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What is Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)?

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) is Microsoft’s managed Kubernetes platform, tightly integrated with Azure’s ecosystem. It’s particularly attractive for organizations that already rely on Microsoft tools and services, such as Active Directory, Office 365, and Azure DevOps. AKS focuses on simplifying cluster deployment while offering deep enterprise integration.

Key Features of AKS

• Azure AD Integration: Built-in role-based access control (RBAC) with Microsoft Active Directory.
• Cost Efficiency: No charges for control plane (unlike EKS).
• CI/CD Integration: Native integration with GitHub Actions and Azure DevOps pipelines.
• Security & Compliance: Advanced policies with Azure Policy and Defender for Containers.
• Hybrid Cloud Support: Integration with Azure Arc for multi-cloud/hybrid scenarios.

Pros of Using AKS

• Cost-effective compared to GKE and EKS.
• Easy integration with Microsoft ecosystem.
• Strong enterprise-grade security and compliance.
• Good choice for Windows container workloads.

Cons and Limitations of AKS

• Historically had performance and reliability concerns (though improving).
• Not as feature-rich in automation as GKE.
• Less global reach compared to AWS.

Best Use Cases for AKS

• Enterprises already invested in Microsoft Azure.
• Organizations running Windows-based container workloads.
• Businesses looking for cost-effective managed Kubernetes with solid enterprise features.

Feature Comparison – GKE vs EKS vs AKS

Now that we’ve looked at each individually, let’s compare them directly across critical factors.

Ease of Deployment and Setup

• GKE: Easiest to deploy, with Autopilot mode making it nearly hands-off.
• EKS: More complex setup; requires manual configuration of nodes, networking, and IAM.
• AKS: Fairly straightforward, with native integration to Azure tools.

Cluster Management and Scaling

• GKE: Best automation, auto-scaling is smooth and intelligent.
• EKS: Flexible scaling, but requires more manual work.
• AKS: Good scaling, but automation features trail behind GKE.

Networking and Security

• GKE: Advanced networking, Workload Identity, and tight security.
• EKS: Strongest compliance, granular IAM control, and VPC integration.
• AKS: Secure, with deep AD integration and Azure Policy support.

Monitoring and Logging

• GKE: Built-in Cloud Monitoring and Logging.
• EKS: Relies heavily on CloudWatch (extra configuration needed).
• AKS: Integrated with Azure Monitor and Log Analytics.

Multi-Region and Multi-Cloud Support

• GKE: Best-in-class multi-cloud with Anthos.
• EKS: Hybrid support via Outposts, but AWS-only focus.
• AKS: Azure Arc expands capabilities, but less seamless than GKE.

Pricing Models – GKE vs EKS vs AKS

Pricing is one of the most critical considerations when choosing a managed Kubernetes service. While all three cloud providers follow a pay-as-you-go model, the way they charge for control planes, nodes, networking, and additional services varies significantly.

GKE Pricing

Google Kubernetes Engine charges per cluster for the control plane. As of now, GKE Standard mode costs around $0.10 per cluster per hour, which translates to about $72 per month per cluster. In Autopilot mode, pricing is based on the resources (CPU, memory, storage) consumed by workloads rather than nodes, making it predictable but sometimes more expensive if workloads scale unexpectedly. Additional charges apply for networking (like load balancers) and persistent storage.

EKS Pricing

Amazon EKS pricing is straightforward but can be costly at scale. Each cluster has a flat fee of $0.10 per hour, just like GKE Standard, which equals around $72 per month. However, EKS requires worker nodes (EC2 instances or Fargate), and these costs can add up quickly. EKS with Fargate is great for reducing management overhead but tends to be pricier for workloads that run 24/7.

AKS Pricing

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) stands out because the control plane is free. Users only pay for the underlying compute resources (VMs) and associated storage/networking. This makes AKS more cost-effective for organizations running multiple clusters. Additional services like Azure Monitor or Azure Defender may introduce extra charges, but the lack of control plane fees is a strong advantage for budget-conscious teams.

Pricing Verdict

• Most Cost-Effective: AKS (free control plane).
• Best for Predictability: GKE Autopilot.
• Best for AWS Workloads: EKS (but costs can escalate).

Performance and Reliability

When running production workloads, performance and uptime are non-negotiable. Each provider offers high availability and strong reliability, but the experience differs depending on workload demands.

GKE Performance

GKE is often praised for its speed and stability. Since Kubernetes originated at Google, GKE tends to receive new Kubernetes features earlier than others. Its multi-zonal and regional clusters provide excellent fault tolerance. With features like Autopilot, users get optimized resource allocation, meaning applications run efficiently without needing to fine-tune infrastructure manually.

EKS Performance

EKS leverages AWS’s global infrastructure, which is known for its reliability. Multi-AZ support ensures resilience, and workloads can scale to massive levels using EC2 or Fargate. However, the performance experience often depends on how well workloads are configured, as EKS requires more manual tweaking compared to GKE. Organizations running latency-sensitive apps often pair EKS with AWS Global Accelerator or custom networking optimizations.

AKS Performance

AKS has made major strides in reliability over the years. While it faced early criticism for downtime and scaling issues, Microsoft has invested heavily in stabilizing AKS. Today, it offers strong SLAs, integration with Availability Zones, and good performance for both Linux and Windows containers. However, compared to GKE and EKS, AKS sometimes lags behind in terms of scaling speed under heavy load.

Performance Verdict

• Most Reliable & Cutting-Edge: GKE.
• Best for High-Scale Enterprise Workloads: EKS.
• Improved but Still Catching Up: AKS.

Integration with Ecosystem Tools

A managed Kubernetes service is only as good as the ecosystem surrounding it. Each cloud provider offers tools and services that integrate with their Kubernetes offerings, making the developer experience smoother.

GKE Ecosystem Integration

GKE integrates seamlessly with Google Cloud services like Cloud Run, Cloud Functions, BigQuery, and Pub/Sub. Its integration with Anthos allows organizations to manage multi-cloud and hybrid deployments across AWS, Azure, and on-premises environments. Developers benefit from Cloud Build for CI/CD and Operations Suite for monitoring and logging.

EKS Ecosystem Integration

EKS shines in its integration with AWS services. For example:

• IAM for authentication.
• CloudWatch for monitoring.
• ALB/ELB for load balancing.
• Fargate for serverless compute.
  Additionally, AWS Outposts brings Kubernetes clusters to on-premises environments, giving enterprises hybrid deployment options. EKS also supports integration with ECR (Elastic Container Registry), making image storage and management seamless.

AKS Ecosystem Integration

AKS is the strongest option for organizations already using Microsoft tools. It integrates with:

• Azure Active Directory for identity management.
• Azure Monitor & Log Analytics for observability.
• Azure DevOps & GitHub Actions for CI/CD pipelines.
• Azure Arc for extending Kubernetes clusters across hybrid and multi-cloud.
  For enterprises invested in Office 365, Dynamics, or other Microsoft products, AKS provides a more unified experience compared to GKE or EKS.

Integration Verdict

• Best for Multi-Cloud & Hybrid: GKE (with Anthos).
• Best for AWS-Centric Workloads: EKS.
• Best for Microsoft Enterprise Ecosystem: AKS.

Security and Compliance

Security is a top concern for Kubernetes workloads. Each provider emphasizes secure deployments, but their approaches differ.

GKE Security

Google Cloud is known for strong security, and GKE benefits from this foundation. It offers:

• Workload Identity to integrate Kubernetes with IAM.
• Shielded Nodes for secure boot.
• Binary Authorization to enforce image signing policies.
• Private Clusters with VPC-native networking.
  Compliance support includes GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, and more, making it suitable for sensitive workloads.

EKS Security

EKS leverages AWS’s robust security model. Highlights include:

• Deep integration with IAM roles for service accounts.
• VPC isolation and advanced networking policies.
• Native encryption for secrets using AWS KMS.
• Compliance certifications across industries (FedRAMP, HIPAA, PCI, etc.).
  Security-conscious enterprises often prefer EKS due to AWS’s reputation and broad compliance coverage.

AKS Security

AKS builds heavily on Azure Active Directory (AD) for access control and RBAC. Key features include:

• Azure Policy integration for enforcing security best practices.
• Microsoft Defender for Containers for threat protection.
• Private Link to isolate clusters from the internet.
  Like AWS and GCP, Azure supports a wide range of compliance certifications, making AKS a good fit for enterprises in regulated industries.

Security Verdict

• Most Advanced Kubernetes-Native Security: GKE.
• Most Comprehensive Compliance Coverage: EKS.
• Best for Enterprises Using Microsoft AD: AKS.

Developer Experience

At the end of the day, the choice of a Kubernetes service often comes down to how developers interact with it. A smooth developer experience can mean faster deployments and fewer headaches.

GKE Developer Experience

Developers often love GKE because it just works. With Autopilot mode, developers don’t have to worry about nodes, clusters, or scaling—it’s all handled by Google. The CLI and API are intuitive, and the integration with Google Cloud Console provides excellent visibility. For teams adopting DevOps practices, GKE pairs well with Cloud Build, Artifact Registry, and Cloud Run for serverless deployments.

EKS Developer Experience

EKS offers great flexibility but at the cost of complexity. Developers often need to configure IAM roles, networking policies, and scaling manually. While this allows fine-grained control, it increases the learning curve. AWS provides strong documentation, but many teams find themselves relying on third-party tools like Terraform, Helm, and eksctl to simplify workflows.

AKS Developer Experience

AKS sits in the middle—it’s simpler than EKS but not as automated as GKE. Developers who use Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions enjoy smooth CI/CD pipelines with AKS. Its integration with Visual Studio Code and Azure CLI provides a friendly workflow for Microsoft developers. However, some teams report that debugging issues in AKS can be trickier compared to GKE.

Developer Experience Verdict

• Easiest for Developers: GKE.
• Most Flexible but Complex: EKS.
• Best for Microsoft Developers: AKS.

Scalability and Auto-Healing

One of Kubernetes’ greatest strengths is its ability to scale workloads dynamically and heal itself when failures occur. When comparing GKE, EKS, and AKS, scalability is a critical differentiator.

GKE Scalability

GKE is considered the most automated and intelligent when it comes to scaling. Features like Horizontal Pod Autoscaler (HPA), Vertical Pod Autoscaler (VPA), and Cluster Autoscaler work seamlessly together. In Autopilot mode, GKE automatically manages resource allocation, scaling nodes up and down based on demand without requiring manual intervention. Its multi-zonal and regional clusters ensure high availability, and auto-healing is built in, meaning workloads recover quickly if a node or pod fails.

EKS Scalability

EKS offers flexibility but requires more manual setup compared to GKE. AWS provides features like Managed Node Groups, Fargate for serverless scaling, and Cluster Autoscaler, but developers need to configure these properly for optimal performance. Auto-healing is supported, but some teams report that scaling events can take longer than in GKE, especially for very large clusters. That said, AWS’s global infrastructure ensures that enterprises can run EKS at a massive scale, handling workloads across thousands of nodes.

AKS Scalability

AKS has improved dramatically in terms of scaling. It supports Virtual Node scaling with Azure Container Instances (ACI), as well as autoscaling features similar to GKE and EKS. However, some users report slower scaling under heavy load compared to GKE. Auto-healing is present and reliable, though not as polished as Google’s implementation. For enterprises invested in Azure, AKS offers enough scalability for most use cases, but it may not match the rapid scaling efficiency of GKE.

Scalability Verdict

• Best for Fast and Hands-Off Scaling: GKE.
• Best for Massive Enterprise Workloads: EKS.
• Improved but Slightly Behind in Speed: AKS.

Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Cloud Capabilities

In today’s cloud-native world, many organizations prefer not to lock themselves into a single provider. Multi-cloud and hybrid deployments are becoming the norm, and Kubernetes plays a key role in enabling this flexibility.

GKE Multi-Cloud Strengths

Google leads the way with Anthos, a platform designed to run Kubernetes workloads across GCP, AWS, Azure, and on-premises environments. With Anthos, GKE users can manage all clusters centrally, apply policies consistently, and run workloads seamlessly across clouds. This makes GKE the most multi-cloud friendly option out of the three.

EKS Hybrid Cloud Capabilities

EKS doesn’t focus on multi-cloud but instead emphasizes hybrid deployments with AWS Outposts, allowing Kubernetes clusters to extend into on-premises environments. While you can technically connect EKS with other clouds, AWS clearly prioritizes keeping workloads inside its ecosystem. This makes EKS a great choice for enterprises that want on-premises + AWS integration, but not necessarily multi-cloud.

AKS Multi-Cloud Options

AKS leverages Azure Arc to extend Kubernetes clusters across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. With Azure Arc, organizations can manage Kubernetes workloads on-premises, in Azure, or even on other clouds. While it isn’t as seamless as Anthos, it provides a strong option for enterprises that already rely heavily on Microsoft services.

Multi-Cloud Verdict

• Best for True Multi-Cloud Flexibility: GKE (Anthos).
• Best for Hybrid AWS Workloads: EKS (Outposts).
• Best for Microsoft Enterprise Hybrid Environments: AKS (Azure Arc).

Community and Support

A strong community and reliable support structure are vital when managing Kubernetes at scale. Kubernetes itself has a massive open-source community, but managed services depend on both the cloud provider’s support and their user ecosystem.

GKE Community and Support

Google Cloud provides robust enterprise support plans and a large user community around GKE. Since Kubernetes was created at Google, the company often contributes the most to upstream Kubernetes development. This gives GKE an edge in terms of adopting the latest features quickly. However, some enterprises note that Google Cloud’s enterprise support isn’t as mature as AWS or Microsoft in terms of breadth.

EKS Community and Support

AWS has the largest enterprise customer base, and with that comes a very active community. Documentation, tutorials, and third-party tools for EKS are abundant. AWS’s premium enterprise support is also considered one of the most reliable in the industry. Since many large corporations already use AWS, EKS benefits from widespread adoption and community-driven solutions.

AKS Community and Support

Microsoft Azure offers strong enterprise support and has been steadily expanding its Kubernetes community. AKS benefits from Microsoft’s strong ties to enterprise IT teams, especially those already running Windows workloads. Azure’s documentation is well-regarded, and its integration with GitHub further strengthens community adoption.

Community Verdict

• Most Cutting-Edge & Kubernetes-Centric: GKE.
• Most Enterprise-Proven & Widely Used: EKS.
• Strong Microsoft Enterprise Community: AKS.

Future Outlook – Which Service is Evolving Fastest?

When choosing between GKE, EKS, and AKS, it’s important to consider not just their current capabilities but also their future trajectory.

• GKE: Google continues to push innovation with features like Autopilot, Anthos, and deep Kubernetes integration. GKE is likely to remain the leader in terms of automation and multi-cloud support.
• EKS: AWS is investing in expanding hybrid capabilities with Outposts and refining EKS to handle large-scale enterprise workloads more efficiently. EKS is expected to remain the go-to choice for enterprises deeply invested in AWS infrastructure.
• AKS: Microsoft is positioning AKS as the best choice for enterprises adopting hybrid models with Azure Arc and leveraging Microsoft’s security ecosystem. Its integration with GitHub and developer tools shows that AKS is evolving to become a more developer-friendly solution.

Overall, the future looks bright for all three, but the pace of innovation differs. GKE leads in Kubernetes-native features, EKS dominates in enterprise scalability, and AKS excels in enterprise integrations.

Final Comparison Table – GKE vs EKS vs AKS

Got it! Here’s an additional section about Unmanaged Kubernetes Services that fits naturally at the end of your article:

Unmanaged Kubernetes Services – When to Go DIY

While managed services like GKE, EKS, and AKS simplify Kubernetes adoption, some teams may prefer the unmanaged route for greater control, learning, or cost savings. In an unmanaged setup, you’re responsible for everything—installing Kubernetes, configuring clusters, handling upgrades, and managing networking. This gives you maximum flexibility, but it also means you take on the operational complexity that managed services usually absorb.

Why Choose Unmanaged Kubernetes?

• Learning & Experimentation: Perfect for developers or teams who want to understand Kubernetes inside out without cloud-managed abstractions.
• Cost Savings: Instead of paying for managed control planes, you can run Kubernetes on your own servers or VMs.
• Custom Environments: Some workloads require highly specific networking or storage setups that managed services don’t fully support.

Popular Unmanaged Options

• Minikube on a Mini VPC: Minikube is lightweight and great for experimenting with Kubernetes locally or on a small Virtual Private Cloud. Running it on a Mini VPC setup lets you simulate real-world networking without major costs. [Shop for Best Mini PCs at Amazon]
• Hostinger VPS for Kubernetes: A Hostinger VPS provides affordable, flexible infrastructure where you can install Kubernetes manually. This approach is excellent for small teams, testing environments, or side projects that don’t require the overhead of managed services. [Get a Discounted VPS if order via this Affiliate link]

When to Stick with Managed Services

If you’re running production workloads where uptime, scalability, and compliance are critical, unmanaged Kubernetes may not be the best choice. Managed services like GKE, EKS, or AKS save enormous amounts of operational effort while providing enterprise-grade reliability and support.

Verdict: Unmanaged Kubernetes is best suited for learning, testing, and small-scale deployments. For serious production environments, sticking with managed services ensures you get the reliability, automation, and ecosystem integration your business needs.

Conclusion – Choosing Between GKE, EKS, and AKS

When comparing GKE vs EKS vs AKS, there’s no single winner—it really depends on your organization’s priorities, existing ecosystem, and long-term cloud strategy.

• If you want simplicity, automation, and multi-cloud flexibility, GKE is the best option. It’s the most developer-friendly and cutting-edge, with Anthos giving you freedom across multiple environments.
• If your organization is deeply invested in AWS and needs massive scalability with enterprise-grade compliance, EKS is the right choice. It may require more manual configuration, but it gives you unmatched control and enterprise reliability.
• If you’re a Microsoft-centric enterprise running Windows workloads and looking for cost-effective Kubernetes with strong hybrid support, AKS is ideal. Its free control plane, Azure Arc integration, and Azure AD security make it attractive for businesses in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Ultimately, the decision should align with your cloud provider investments, compliance requirements, and operational preferences. For startups, ease of use and automation may outweigh everything else—making GKE Autopilot the best fit. For large regulated industries like finance and healthcare, EKS is hard to beat. For enterprises standardized on Microsoft, AKS provides seamless integration.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of each service, you can make an informed choice that ensures scalability, security, and cost efficiency for your Kubernetes workloads.

FAQs About GKE vs EKS vs AKS

1. Which Kubernetes service is the easiest to use?

Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) is the easiest, thanks to its Autopilot mode, which automates scaling, upgrades, and resource management. It allows developers to focus on applications rather than infrastructure.

2. Is AKS really free compared to GKE and EKS?

Yes, AKS offers a free control plane, unlike GKE and EKS, which charge about $72 per month per cluster. However, you still pay for compute, storage, and networking resources in AKS.

3. Which service is best for multi-cloud strategies?

GKE, because of Anthos, is the strongest choice for multi-cloud and hybrid deployments. It allows centralized management across GCP, AWS, Azure, and even on-premises.

4. Is EKS worth the complexity?

Yes, if your business already relies on AWS. While EKS has a steeper learning curve, it integrates deeply with AWS services, offers enterprise-grade compliance, and can scale to enormous workloads.

5. Can I migrate between GKE, EKS, and AKS easily?

Migration is possible, but not trivial. Kubernetes workloads are portable, but networking, IAM, and ecosystem integrations differ. Tools like Anthos, Azure Arc, and third-party platforms (e.g., Rancher, ArgoCD) can help streamline multi-cloud or migration efforts.