The Kubernetes container orchestration system is riding a wave of popularity; everyone is using it. Even Microsoft, Docker, and AWS are onboard the Kubernetes bandwagon. Microsoft has already made a big investment in this open source technology by Google. Microsoft’s Azure Cloud runs on Kubernetes, for instance, and Kubernetes co-founder Brendan Burns is now employed by Microsoft.

Redmond's aggressive investment in Kubernetes came into focus with the release of a new preview of AKS (Azure Container Service), a managed Kubernetes service designed to make it even easier to operate Kubernetes environments.

The service has been around since 2015, but with this preview, Microsoft is introducing new features and a new pricing model. Azure Container project lead Gabe Monroy said that the Azure Container Service adoption grew 300% in the past six months. The new features seem to be a response to this demand.

"Now with the preview of AKS, we are making it even easier to manage and operate your Kubernetes environments, all without sacrificing portability. This new service features an Azure-hosted control plane, automated upgrades, self-healing, easy scaling, and a simple user experience for both developers and cluster operators. With AKS, customers get the benefit of open source Kubernetes without complexity and operational overhead."

In addition to the launch of AKS, Microsoft also announced the general availability of Azure Container Register (ACR), as well as the preview or ACR geo-replication . The ACR is a private registry for hosting container images, and it is now more scalable and customizable for customers with three new sizes. ACR Geo-replication will allow customers to manage a single registry, replicated across any number of regions, with a single click of a map.