Cloud messaging for microservices

# NATS messaging for microservices

Use NATS for messaging in distributed systems and microservices. Performance depends on network, deployment location, resources, and workload.

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## NATS features and deployment options

NATS provides messaging features in a container-based deployment. Configure resources and network access for your workload.

### NATS messaging patterns and performance

NATS is designed for lightweight messaging, including real-time workloads. Throughput and latency depend on deployment, network, and workload.

### Go implementation and resource use

NATS is written in Go. Resource use depends on configuration, message volume, and workload.

### Pub/Sub and Request-Reply communication patterns

NATS supports publish-subscribe and request-reply patterns; queue groups are available for distributing messages among subscribers.

### JetStream persistence (requires configuration)

NATS JetStream can provide stream and key-value storage when enabled and configured with suitable persistent storage.

### Container-based messaging service

NATS can run in a container. Clustering, horizontal scaling, and recovery require supporting configuration and infrastructure.

### Authentication and transport security

NATS supports authentication and TLS-related options. Available security settings depend on the server configuration.

## Frequently asked questions about NATS

Answers to common questions about NATS deployment, messaging patterns, and optional JetStream configuration:

What is NATS, and how is it used in microservices?

How does NATS compare with Kafka and RabbitMQ?

How do you deploy and connect to NATS on Deplomo Cloud?

Does the nats server provide persistence of messages?

Which protocols and client libraries does NATS support?

## NATS: messaging for distributed systems

NATS is an open-source messaging system used in distributed applications. It supports several communication patterns; performance, availability, and persistence depend on the deployment and configuration.

### NATS compared with Kafka and RabbitMQ

Messaging systems have different resource, routing, persistence, and maintenance requirements. Compare them based on the features and workload your application needs.

<table class="w-full min-w-[600px] border-collapse text-sm"><thead><tr class="border-b border-border/80 bg-background/50 text-foreground"><th class="p-3 text-start font-bold">Comparison criteria</th><th class="p-3 text-start font-bold text-primary">NATS template on Deplomo Cloud</th><th class="p-3 text-start font-bold">Apache Kafka (Kafka)</th><th class="p-3 text-start font-bold">RabbitMQ</th></tr></thead><tbody class="divide-y divide-border/60"><tr><td class="p-3 font-semibold text-foreground">Resource use</td><td class="p-3 text-primary font-medium">Depends on server configuration and workload</td><td class="p-3">Depends on server configuration and workload</td><td class="p-3">Depends on server configuration and workload</td></tr><tr><td class="p-3 font-semibold text-foreground">Message latency</td><td class="p-3 text-primary font-medium">Depends on network, workload, and configuration</td><td class="p-3">Depends on network, workload, and configuration</td><td class="p-3">Depends on network, workload, and configuration</td></tr><tr><td class="p-3 font-semibold text-foreground">Setup and deployment</td><td class="p-3 text-primary font-medium">Container deployment; availability depends on service status</td><td class="p-3">Setup requirements depend on the chosen Kafka deployment</td><td class="p-3">Setup requirements depend on the chosen RabbitMQ deployment</td></tr><tr><td class="p-3 font-semibold text-foreground">Messaging and storage features</td><td class="p-3 text-primary font-medium">The template supports NATS messaging; optional features require configuration</td><td class="p-3">Kafka supports retained event logs, depending on configuration</td><td class="p-3">RabbitMQ uses exchanges and routing keys</td></tr><tr><td class="p-3 font-semibold text-foreground">Operations and maintenance</td><td class="p-3 text-primary font-medium">Requirements depend on configuration and operational needs</td><td class="p-3">Requirements depend on configuration and operational needs</td><td class="p-3">Requirements depend on configuration and operational needs</td></tr></tbody></table>

### NATS deployment and connection

The NATS template runs in a container deployed through the  [Cloud containers](/products/containers)  service. The current template exposes port 4222 on the private network only; connect from a permitted service and review its settings.

### Connecting NATS with Go microservices

The NATS server and official Go client are both written in Go. Applications in Go can use the client library to connect to NATS from  [Go hosting](/products/go)  over the configured private network. Connectivity and performance depend on network and service configuration.

### Choosing between NATS and event-streaming platforms

For event history or stream-processing workloads, platforms such as  [Apache Kafka](/marketplace/apps/kafka)  support event streaming and retention features depending on configuration. NATS and Kafka have different delivery and storage models; choose based on your requirements.

### NATS JetStream and message persistence

NATS JetStream can add message persistence, deduplication, and key-value storage when enabled and configured with suitable storage. The current Deplomo Cloud NATS template does not enable JetStream or attach a persistent volume.

### Free trial setup and testing at Deplomo

Evaluate NATS throughput and latency with a workload representative of your application. International service creation is paused and no trial credit is granted; review approved package limits before planning benchmarks.

## Plan a NATS deployment

NATS resources count toward your selected monthly package. The current template does not enable JetStream or persistent storage; international service creation is paused.

[NATS deployment](https://panel.deplomo.com/signup)