List of the Top 5 Container Orchestration Software for Linkerd in 2025

Kubernetes, often abbreviated as K8s, is an influential open-source framework aimed at automating the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. By grouping containers into manageable units, it streamlines the tasks associated with application management and discovery. With over 15 years of expertise gained from managing production workloads at Google, Kubernetes integrates the best practices and innovative concepts from the broader community. It is built on the same core principles that allow Google to proficiently handle billions of containers on a weekly basis, facilitating scaling without a corresponding rise in the need for operational staff. Whether you're working on local development or running a large enterprise, Kubernetes is adaptable to various requirements, ensuring dependable and smooth application delivery no matter the complexity involved. Additionally, as an open-source solution, Kubernetes provides the freedom to utilize on-premises, hybrid, or public cloud environments, making it easier to migrate workloads to the most appropriate infrastructure. This level of adaptability not only boosts operational efficiency but also equips organizations to respond rapidly to evolving demands within their environments. As a result, Kubernetes stands out as a vital tool for modern application management, enabling businesses to thrive in a fast-paced digital landscape.

Ambassador Edge Stack serves as a Kubernetes-native API Gateway that delivers ease of use, robust security, and the capability to scale for extensive Kubernetes environments globally. It simplifies the process of securing microservices by offering a comprehensive suite of security features, which encompass automatic TLS, authentication, and rate limiting, along with optional WAF integration. Additionally, it facilitates fine-grained access control, allowing for precise management of user permissions. This API Gateway functions as an ingress controller based on Kubernetes, and it accommodates an extensive array of protocols, such as gRPC, gRPC Web, and TLS termination, while also providing traffic management controls that help maintain resource availability and optimize performance. Overall, Ambassador Edge Stack is designed to meet the complex needs of modern cloud-native applications.

You have the option to utilize your preferred debugging software to address issues with your Kubernetes services on a local level. Telepresence, an open-source solution, facilitates the execution of a single service locally while maintaining a connection to a remote Kubernetes cluster. Originally created by Ambassador Labs, known for their open-source development tools like Ambassador and Forge, Telepresence encourages community participation through issue submissions, pull requests, and bug reporting. Engaging in our vibrant Slack community is a great way to ask questions or explore available paid support options. The development of Telepresence is ongoing, and by registering, you can stay informed about updates and announcements. This tool enables you to debug locally without the delays associated with building, pushing, or deploying containers. Additionally, it allows users to leverage their preferred local tools such as debuggers and integrated development environments (IDEs), while also supporting the execution of large-scale applications that may not be feasible to run locally. Furthermore, the ability to connect a local environment to a remote cluster significantly enhances the debugging process and overall development workflow.

We are excited to present a self-service development platform specifically designed for your applications, databases, and a variety of tasks. You can start with just one workload and easily scale up to handle hundreds, using either compute resources or GPUs. Every stage from code deployment to production can be enhanced with customizable self-service workflows, pipelines, templates, and GitOps methodologies. You can confidently launch environments for preview, staging, and production, all while taking advantage of integrated observability tools, backup and restoration features, and options for rolling back if needed. Northflank works seamlessly with your favorite tools, accommodating any technology stack you prefer. Whether you utilize Northflank's secure environment or your own cloud account, you will experience the same exceptional developer journey, along with total control over where your data resides, your deployment regions, security protocols, and cloud expenses. By leveraging Kubernetes as its underlying operating system, Northflank delivers the benefits of a cloud-native setting without the usual challenges. Whether you choose Northflank’s user-friendly cloud service or link to your GKE, EKS, AKS, or even bare-metal configurations, you can establish a managed platform experience in just minutes, thereby streamlining your development process. This adaptability guarantees that your projects can grow effectively while ensuring high performance across various environments, ultimately empowering your development team to focus on innovation.

Oracle's Container Engine for Kubernetes (OKE) is a managed container orchestration platform that greatly reduces the development time and costs associated with modern cloud-native applications. Unlike many of its competitors, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure provides OKE as a free service that leverages high-performance and economical compute resources. This allows DevOps teams to work with standard, open-source Kubernetes, which enhances the portability of application workloads and simplifies operations through automated updates and patch management. Users can deploy Kubernetes clusters along with vital components such as virtual cloud networks, internet gateways, and NAT gateways with just a single click, streamlining the setup process. The platform supports automation of Kubernetes tasks through a web-based REST API and a command-line interface (CLI), addressing every aspect from cluster creation to scaling and ongoing maintenance. Importantly, Oracle does not charge any fees for cluster management, making it an appealing choice for developers. Users are also able to upgrade their container clusters quickly and efficiently without any downtime, ensuring they stay current with the latest stable version of Kubernetes. This suite of features not only makes OKE a compelling option but also positions it as a powerful ally for organizations striving to enhance their cloud-native development workflows. As a result, businesses can focus more on innovation rather than infrastructure management.