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4 Different Ways to Deploy Containers on Azure
Want to put your cloud native app in containers on Azure, but can't see the forest for the trees? In this blog, Raphaël Bussink, Manager Public Cloud at TrueFullstaq, gives you four different ways to deploy your containers on Azure.
Container technology is no longer a well-kept secret. Applications built with containers offer major advantages when it comes to flexibility and scalability. Once built, containers need to be deployed on a platform—whether that's on a private cloud, a public cloud like Azure, or with an orchestration platform like Kubernetes. Microsoft offers multiple options for deploying containers on Azure: Container Instances, Azure Container Apps, App Services, and Azure Kubernetes Services.
1. Container Instances: the entry-level method
Azure Container Instances is the entry-level way to deploy a container on Azure. "That works well if you want to deploy a container real quick for testing," says Raphaël. You can do this through the Azure Portal or with one of the automation tools on Azure. "With Container Instances, you don't have a special orchestration system, nor do you have options to configure the environment. That's why this method works well for things you only need to run occasionally. A Container Instance is billed based on usage. If you only need a container for a few minutes to an hour per day, this is an attractive method. Container Instances also work well as a fallback when spinning up an Azure Kubernetes Services node. Spinning up a node takes approximately 15 minutes; in the meantime, you can use a Container Instance to quickly run new containers."
"Azure Container Instances work well if you want to deploy a container real quick for testing."
2. Azure Container Apps: no steep learning curve
During MS Ignite in November 2021, Microsoft launched Azure Container Apps. It's intended as a stepping stone to using Kubernetes (and therefore Azure Kubernetes Services). Azure Container Apps lets you work with containers without having to manage the underlying infrastructure. Microsoft does that for you. It offers the benefits of Kubernetes without the complexity and steep learning curve. Azure Container Apps runs in the context of Azure App Services, so you have access to all App Services functionality," says Raphaël.
"Azure Container Apps is especially suitable for new applications that can work with technologies like Dapr (Distributed Application Runtime) and Keda (Kubernetes Event-driven Autoscaling)."
3. App Service: a 'classic' setup that runs perfectly
The App Service within Azure allows you to run containerized applications with Web App for Containers, just like regular web apps. "An App Service plan was previously mainly intended to run an app service, but now you can also deploy containers there," says Raphaël. "This gives you the ability to share the resources of your App Service Plan, especially if you already have an App Service and want to run a container alongside it for new or additional tasks."
Kubernetes on Azure Ensures Scalability of HVC App
Together with municipalities, water boards, and their residents, HVC works on sustainable waste processing. With an app, residents get the right information at the right time. How did digital agency Unc Inc develop the digital tools for HVC, and how does that impact the scalability of Kubernetes on TrueFullstaq’s Azure platform? Read how HVC also scales with Azure and Kubernetes in this customer case.
Discover this case of Kubernetes on Azure
4. Azure Kubernetes Services: Kubernetes platform on Azure
Azure Kubernetes Services is the management system for Kubernetes and containers on Azure. It offers all the capabilities you have with Kubernetes and integrates seamlessly with other Azure services. "This is also the most commonly used method we offer at True. With AKS, you can set up your platform fully customizable. That does come with considerable complexity, which we handle on behalf of our clients. We do this in collaboration with our Kubernetes team, so you have direct access to all the necessary expertise," says Raphaël.
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