Containerization is the backbone of modern cloud-native application development, which means that managing containers effectively is as important as it ever has been. Container management tools help orchestrate, monitor, and optimize containerized applications at scale. For engineering teams using Kubernetes for container orchestration, finding the right container management tools can significantly improve performance, security, and operational efficiency. Let’s look at container management, highlight common tools, and determine how to choose the solution that’s the best fit for your organization's needs.
Container management tools are software solutions that facilitate the deployment, operation, and maintenance of containers. Containers themselves are lightweight, standalone packages that bundle an application’s code with all its dependencies, enabling consistent operation across different computing environments. First popularized by Docker, containers are now foundational to modern software development because they isolate applications from their surroundings, making them portable. Container management tools are important because they allow organizations to manage containers at scale. With Kubernetes at the heart of most container strategies, most tools integrate with or incorporate Kubernetes in one form or another.
Running containers in production isn’t just using containers to build applications and services, then deploying them to production. It also involves:
A container management tool can help you streamline these tasks, reduce human error, and help your team focus on innovation.
Here are some of the most widely adopted and powerful container management tools available today:
With 10 years under its belt, Kubernetes is now the industry standard for container orchestration and management. It automates deployment, scaling, and operations of application containers across clusters of hosts, ensuring high availability and fault tolerance. Kubernetes is widely adopted in production, with 75-84% of organizations using it for hybrid/multi-cloud, cloud-native applications, and modernization projects. Its powerful ecosystem, extensibility, and support from all major cloud providers make it the go-to choice for enterprises. Kubernetes is also supported by a vibrant ecosystem of add-ons and integrations.
Amazon EKS is a managed Kubernetes service that simplifies running Kubernetes on AWS. EKS handles the Kubernetes control plane, including updates and scaling, and integrates deeply with AWS services for networking, security, and monitoring. It commands a significant share of the managed Kubernetes market and is preferred by organizations already invested in AWS infrastructure.
GKE is Google Cloud’s managed Kubernetes service, known for rapid support of new Kubernetes features and tight integration with Google’s Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and big data services. GKE offers automated rollouts, scaling, and robust security features, making it a good choice for organizations deploying in Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
AKS provides a managed Kubernetes experience on Microsoft Azure, offering seamless integration with Azure’s identity, security, and monitoring tools. AKS is a good choice for enterprises leveraging Microsoft’s ecosystem and seeking to modernize their application infrastructure.
OpenShift builds on Kubernetes by adding developer-friendly abstractions, security features, and a streamlined developer experience. It is available as a self-managed or cloud-hosted solution and is favored by enterprises that need advanced governance, automation, and compliance capabilities.
VMware Tanzu is a comprehensive suite for building, running, and managing Kubernetes-based applications across multi-cloud and on-premises environments. Tanzu supports DevOps workflows, automation, and modern application development, making it a good option for organizations with hybrid infrastructure needs.
Rancher specializes in multi-cluster Kubernetes management, offering flexibility and a user-friendly interface. It is well-suited for organizations managing Kubernetes at scale across diverse environments, providing centralized control and streamlined operations.
Mirantis Kubernetes Engine (formerly Docker Enterprise) is a solid platform for organizations transitioning from Docker Swarm to Kubernetes. It offers enterprise-grade security, multi-cloud support, and a focus on operational simplicity.
These container management tools each excel in different scenarios—whether it’s deep cloud integration, multi-cluster management, or advanced developer workflows. Selecting the right tool depends on your organization’s infrastructure, cloud strategy, and application requirements. Kubernetes and its managed variants (EKS, GKE, AKS) remain the backbone of container orchestration, while platforms like OpenShift, Tanzu, and Rancher provide some additional value for different enterprises' needs.
Harbor is an open-source, cloud-native container image registry that stores, signs, and scans container images for vulnerabilities. As a graduated project of the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), Harbor provides a secure and reliable repository for your container artifacts.
Selecting the best container management tool depends on multiple factors, including team size and expertise: Do you need a simple UI or a fully customizable platform? Do you have in-house Kubernetes expertise or do you need a Managed Kubernetes-as-a-Service provider? Do you need built-in compliance and vulnerability scanning, and what is the scale and complexity of your deployment? Here are some things to keep in mind to help you pick the tool that’s best for your organization.
Container management is a critical aspect of modern DevOps and cloud-native operations. With the right container management tools and services in place, teams can manage infrastructure effectively, reduce risk, and accelerate delivery. Whether you're a startup or an enterprise, understanding, picking, and using the right container management tool will help you ship apps and services faster and more easily.