Microsoft continue to push Azure into poll position as top container platform.

Microsoft is set to acquire Deis, a maker of tools that are compatible with the open-source container orchestration system Kubernetes. This move confirms a sustained interest in container orchestration from Microsoft.

Kubernetes was released by Google in 2014, and has since become a popular system. Deis is responsible for tools such as Helm, Workflow and Steward that are geared towards making the process of managing multi-container applications easier.

In a blog post Deis CTO Gabe Monroy said: “Paired with their cloud leadership and unambiguous support for open source software, we are impressed by the breadth, depth and reach of Microsoft to help define, shape and build new cloud-native applications. We look forward to making Azure the best place to run containerized workloads.”

This move is one in a line of technology investments made by Microsoft to expand the ability of developers to build applications that are compatible with Windows. Deis will also be an arrow in the Microsoft quiver as it will bring expertise built around the Kubernetes platform.

Scott Guthrie, EVP of Microsoft’s Cloud and Enterprise division said: “At Microsoft, we’ve seen explosive growth in both interest and deployment of containerized workloads on Azure, and we’re committed to ensuring Azure is the best place to run them… In addition to their container expertise, the Deis team brings a depth of open source technology experience – furthering Microsoft’s commitments to improve developer productivity and to provide choice and flexibility for our customers everywhere.”

Microsoft may be gearing up to become more formidable in the container space, but it is not without competition, as the likes of Google are providing Google Container Engine support to IT professionals battling with Kubernetes complexity. AWS container services are also in the mix, also ramping up the pressure with stiff competition.