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2. • Many organizations have started relying heavily on container orchestration tools to group all key
dependencies in a single comprehensive package. Two names are always trending in the market
when it comes to container orchestration tools because of their exceptional benefits & advantages in
meeting organizational goals & targets.
• Docker Swarm & Kubernetes are one of the top container orchestration tools, and there is often
confusion regarding which one to pick. In this blog, we will elaborate on both so it will be easier for
you to select one according to your requirements and organizational goals.
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Docker Swarm vs. Kubernetes, Which is the best?

3. What is Docker Swarm?
• Docker Swarm is an open-source container orchestration platform that sounds similar to Docker.
However, Swarm is renowned for its simplified setup & usage. It helps in managing Dockerized
containers.
• A Docker Swarm cluster contains nodes, load balancers, services, and tasks. It allows apps to perform
on numerous nodes that share a single container. Docker Swarm helps efficiently deploy, manage,
and scale a cluster of nodes on Docker.
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4. What is Kubernetes?
• Kubernetes, also called Kube and K8, is an open-source container orchestration platform to manage
containers. Kubernetes offers incredible features such as load balancing, self-healing, configuration
management, and rollback.
• Kubernetes allows you to deploy & manage multi-container applications at scale. It helps DevOps
teams to deploy, manage, and schedule apps through clusters effectively.
• Kubernetes can be used by anyone who wants to run containers, whether on the public cloud, on-
premises, or both.
• Read about Kubernetes in detail in our other blog on Why Kubernetes is considered the next-
generation application platform.
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5. Installation
• When it comes to installation, Docker Swarm is renowned for its quick & easy setup on a system with
Docker Engine.
• For installation, you only need to assign an IP address to hosts, assign a node, and give access to
protocols & ports within the hosts — you are done with the setup. Docker Swarm is best suited for
teams with intermediate technical skills.
• On the other hand, Kubernetes needs pre-planning. For Kubernetes installation, the team needs to
install Kubernetes Command Line Interface and Kubectl, which varies depending on the operating
system you are installing it on.
• For instance, Curl is preferred to install K8s on Linux, but to install it on Mac & Windows, you need
Homebrew & Gallery Package Manager.
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Detailed Comparison of Docker Swarm vs. Kubernetes

6. Deployment
• Docker Swarm allows users to deploy apps through predefined Swarm files for the app’s desired
state. For deployment, the user must copy a YAML file or Docker Compose at the root level. This file
allows the user to run containers on several networks & machines and make the most of the node
machine capabilities.
• On the other hand, Kubernetes requires describing a declarative update to the App state for
deployment when the Kubernetes Pods & ReplicaSets are updating. Once the pod’s desired state is
described, the controller can change the pod’s current state.
• Kubernetes allows users to define different aspects of the app lifecycle. However, it requires
immense skills & is complicated to perform.
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7. Scaling
• Both Docker Swarm & Kubernetes allow users to scale their infrastructure up or down according to
their requirements. However, the way of performing tasks is different.
• In Docker Swarm, the tasks must be performed manually through Docker Compose YAML templates.
Whereas in Kubernetes, users get an automated scaling feature that auto-scales the cluster & pod
level according to the current traffic. Kubernetes is better at scaling down than Docker Swarm.
Load Balancing
• Load Balancing is a crucial feature for efficiently handling unexpected loads. Docker Swarm comes
with automatic load balancing.
• On the other hand, Kubernetes does not come with an automatic loading balancing feature.
However, users can integrate third-party tools with Kubernetes to enable automatic load balancing.
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8. Networking
• Docker Swarm & Kubernetes have different networking models. Docker Swarm creates two different
types of networks for a cluster of nodes in which one network highlights an overlay of the other, and
the second network creates a host-only bridge for each container.
• On the other hand, the Kubernetes networking model is simpler because of peer-to-peer pod
communication. All these pods communicate with each other. And it needs 2 controller managers for
exposed services & providing IPs to pods.
Security
• Security is a significant concern for many users using a container orchestration platform. Docker
Swarm security depends on a network level through authenticated TLS, where security certificates
are rotated frequently between nodes.
• On the other hand, Kubernetes offers enterprise-grade security controls, such as SSL, security
policies, secrets management, RBAC authorization, and many more. Also, commercial cloud-native
security tools further enhance Kubernetes platform security.
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9. Monitoring
• Docker Swarm monitoring only offers basic tools like Docker’s event & server log tools. In Docker
Swarm, the cross-node services & objects are in huge volumes, making monitoring complicated.
• Users can opt for third-party extensions like Grafana or cAdvisor for enhanced monitoring to make
monitoring less complicated in Docker Swarm.
• On the other hand, Kubernetes comes with built-in monitoring & logging functionality. Its built-in
monitoring functionalities help evaluate individual containers, pods, & services and observe cluster
behavior.
• Built-in features will fulfill all the users’ key requirements; however, they can opt for integrating
additional tools for highly detailed metrics.
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10. Dashboards
• Dashboards allow users to have an enhanced interface. In Docker Swarm, users will not get a built-in
dashboard. However, users can integrate third-party tools like Dockstation or Swarmpit for a GUI.
• On the other hand, Kubernetes comes with built-in dashboards through Web UI. This GUI helps
Kubernetes users in controlling, monitoring & managing clusters, and also deploying apps on a
cluster. Users can also view error logs.
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11. Availability
• Docker Swarm offers the best availability controls among all container orchestration tools. Host
failure can sometimes occur in Docker Swarm, which can be managed by moving a worker node to
another desired resource using node manager.
• On the other hand, Kubernetes provides two different topologies. First is using an external etcd
object for separately handling the control plane nodes & load balancing.
• Another option is co-locating the etcd object during a failover with every available cluster node using
a stacked control plane node. Also, Kubernetes comes with excellent capabilities like self-healing &
flaunt-tolerant.
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12. • After reading the blog, you will have clarity on the difference between Docker Swarm & Kubernetes
in nine features.
• To summarize, Docker Swarm is an ideal container orchestration platform if you want a quick & easy
installation & setup without compromising on primary features. In Docker Swarm, you can effectively
manage small workloads.
• Whereas Kubernetes is ideal for those users who want flexibility, are open to learning, and want all
the salient features for their container orchestration tool. It is proven effective for the complex
infrastructure of top organizations worldwide.
• In short, Kubernetes is best if your infrastructure is complex, and if you want easy & quick
installation, then Docker Swarm is the ideal option. However, the best option depends on the
organization’s needs & goals.
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Conclusion

13. • At Calidad Infotech, we offer both Kubernetes & Docker tools. Our team of competent & highly
qualified IT professionals will help you select the best option according to your organization’s
requirements & goals. We are one of the leading Software Consultants & Cloud Service Providers in
India.
• For a consultation or any questions, contact us, and one of our IT Consultants will contact you. We
are available via call at +91–9909922871 and email at hello@calidadinfotech.com.
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14. https://calidadinfotech.com/
hello@calidadinfotech.com
09818807742
1001-1002, Signature 1 Tower,
Besides Concept Jeep showroom,
Makarba, Ahmedabad, Gujarat - 380051