Anthos

Definition

Google's hybrid and multi-cloud application platform for modernizing applications, allowing seamless management across diverse environments.

Use Cases

Provider Equivalents

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Anthos and Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?
GKE is Google Cloud’s managed Kubernetes service for running containers. Anthos is a broader platform that uses Kubernetes (often GKE) plus additional capabilities—like centralized fleet management, policy enforcement, and service mesh—to manage and modernize applications across multiple clusters and locations (Google Cloud, on-prem, and other clouds).
When should I use Anthos?
Use Anthos when you need a consistent way to run and govern Kubernetes-based applications across more than one environment—such as on-prem plus cloud, or multiple clouds—and you want centralized policy, security controls, and standardized operations. If you only run in Google Cloud and don’t need hybrid/multi-cloud management, starting with GKE alone is often simpler.
How much does Anthos cost?
Anthos pricing is typically subscription-based and depends on factors like the number of vCPUs managed (and where those CPUs run: Google Cloud, on-prem, or other clouds), plus any additional Google Cloud services you use (for example, logging/monitoring, load balancing, or data services). Exact costs vary by contract, edition, and usage, so you should estimate based on your managed compute footprint and required add-ons.

Category: containers

Difficulty: advanced

Related Terms

See Also