Kubernetes has become the de facto standard for container orchestration, offering businesses unparalleled agility, scalability, and efficiency. However, managing Kubernetes infrastructure can be complex and time-consuming. Enter Amazon EKS Auto Mode, a new feature released at AWS re:Invent 2025 – designed to simplify Kubernetes adoption and management on AWS.
What is EKS Auto Mode?
EKS Auto Mode automates many of the operational tasks associated with running Kubernetes, allowing you to focus on your applications instead of infrastructure. It’s like having an autopilot for your Kubernetes clusters!
What’s New in EKS Auto Mode?
- Simplified Cluster Creation: Creating a production-ready Kubernetes cluster is now a breeze. Auto Mode provides sensible defaults and automates the provisioning process, so you can get started quickly.
- Automated Infrastructure Management: Auto Mode takes care of provisioning and managing the underlying infrastructure, including EC2 instances, storage, and networking. This means no more manual configuration or scaling!
- Enhanced Security: Security is a top priority. Auto Mode integrates with AWS security services and uses immutable AMIs (Amazon Machine Images) to strengthen the security posture of your cluster.
- Cost Optimisation: Auto Mode dynamically adjusts the number of nodes in your cluster based on workload demands, helping you optimise your cloud spend and avoid overspending on resources.
EKS Auto Mode vs. Traditional EKS
While both EKS Auto Mode and traditional EKS provide a managed Kubernetes control plane, they differ significantly in their approach to data plane management:
- Node Management: In traditional EKS, you are responsible for managing the worker nodes, including provisioning, scaling, and patching. Auto Mode, however, automates all these tasks, reducing your operational burden.
- Customisation: Traditional EKS offers greater flexibility and customisation options for experienced users. Auto Mode prioritises simplicity and ease of use, making it ideal for those who prefer a more streamlined approach.
Effortless Updates with EKS Auto Mode
One of the key advantages of EKS Auto Mode lies in how it handles cluster and node updates:
- Automated Upgrades: Auto Mode automatically applies the latest Kubernetes security patches and updates to your cluster, ensuring you always have the most secure and stable environment.
- Zero Downtime: Updates are performed in a rolling fashion, with minimal disruption to your applications. This ensures high availability and minimises downtime during upgrades.
- Simplified Rollbacks: If an update introduces issues, Auto Mode allows for easy rollbacks to a previous cluster version, providing a safety net and peace of mind.
In contrast, traditional EKS requires manual intervention for updates, which can be time-consuming and error-prone. This can lead to increased operational overhead and potential downtime if not managed carefully.
EKS Auto Mode vs. Fargate
Both Auto Mode and Fargate offer a serverless Kubernetes experience, but with some key differences:
- Underlying Infrastructure: Auto Mode utilises EC2 instances under the hood, while Fargate is truly serverless, abstracting away the underlying infrastructure entirely.
- Cost Considerations: Fargate can be more expensive for consistent workloads, while Auto Mode might be more cost-effective for variable workloads.
- Use Cases: Auto Mode is well-suited for applications that require some level of customisation at the node level, while Fargate is ideal for stateless applications and microservices.
Benefits for Mobilise Customers
EKS Auto Mode offers numerous benefits for Mobilise customers:
- Focus on Applications: Offload the complexities of Kubernetes management and focus on what matters most – building and deploying your applications.
- Accelerated Time to Market: Get your applications to market faster with simplified cluster creation and automated infrastructure management.
- Reduced Operational Costs: Optimise your cloud spend with dynamic node scaling and reduced operational overhead.
Conclusion
EKS Auto Mode is a game-changer for organisations looking to simplify Kubernetes adoption and management. With its automated features, enhanced security, and cost optimisation capabilities, Auto Mode empowers you to leverage the full potential of Kubernetes without the complexities of managing the underlying infrastructure.
Contact Mobilise today to learn more about how EKS Auto Mode can benefit your business and accelerate your journey to the cloud!
