Cisco added native integration of Microsoft’s Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) as a managed Kubernetes option within its Cisco Container Platform.

Fabio Gori, senior director of cloud solutions marketing at Cisco, explained that the move will make it easier for customers to deploy and manage their Kubernetes clusters on premises and in AKS using a single interface. This includes management of identity and control policies; a reduction in manual tasks that can eliminate potential build and security misconfigurations; and improved time-to-market for applications.

He noted that Kubernetes was key to easing this management as it allows for a control plane for applications that can be migrated across cloud and on-premises deployments.

“All that matters for people is optionality,” Gori said. “They can’t get stuck in a single environment. That’s why Kubernetes is so, so sexy. It’s the key to keeping your options open.”

Gori said that around 90% of Cisco’s customers are looking to deploy a multicloud environment but want to maintain the Kubernetes control plane on premises.

“We are seeing a clear preference by customers with private clouds to retain a control plane for Kubernetes and a data plane to stay on premises,” Gori said. “Having a container platform to allow this is very important.”

Gori also explained that Cisco was looking to support Azure Active Directory common identity integration for on-premises and AKS clusters. This will allow those users to interact with their applications using a single environment across their hybrid cloud deployments.

Cisco launched its Container Platform last year. It uses Kubernetes as a management and orchestration component to support enterprises migrating workloads and applications into production environments.

Gori at that time said it addressed growing challenges facing enterprises looking at containers. This includes end-to-end management of container clusters and an open source model that is extensible across deployment environments.

The initial version worked only with Cisco’s infrastructure, but the vendor quickly released updates that supported public cloud environments. This included taking advantage of a deal Cisco had signed with Google in 2017.

The AKS integration joins already established agreements between Cisco and Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and IBM. It’s also working with other vendors like SAP in helping to manage applications across platforms.

Gori explained that this level of customization is important for Cisco and its customers and is what differentiates its Container Platform from other Kubernetes-based management platforms offered by cloud providers.

“As a company we will never tell customers which cloud to use,” Gori said. “This is their decision and it’s close to the business management layer and to their application strategy. This requires choice and we are happy with any cloud they go to.”

Another angle cloud companies are taking is in using Kubernetes as a managed-services layer for applications spread across hybrid and multicloud environments. A prime example of this is Google’s recently launched Anthos platform. It’s based on Kubernetes, is fully managed by Google, runs on premises, and supports multiple clouds including AWS and Azure.

Cisco is working with Google on the platform, with the vendor integrating Anthos with its data centers, networking, and security technologies including HyperFlex, ACI, Stealthwatch Cloud, and Cisco SD-WAN.

“Customers are just looking for a solution so there is no question that there is an appeal for Anthos as a solution, which is managed,” Gori said, using Anthos as an example of a managed service offered by cloud providers. “But that’s one approach and not everyone is on board with this [model]. Others prefer to have the control in their hands rather than a managed solution. So the bottom line is that the market is maturing and there are so many different segments.”