In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a trigger to deploy a particular container on cloud resources accessible thereto such that the cloud resources are provided by a plurality of cloud providers and such that the computer system and the plurality of cloud providers are configured to negotiate container deployment using an information exchange protocol. The information exchange protocol includes a preconfigured inquiry format and a preconfigured inquiry-response format. The method further includes generating a performance inquiry in relation to the particular container. In addition, the method includes transmitting the performance inquiry to the plurality of cloud providers. Moreover, the method includes receiving inquiry responses from at least some of the plurality of cloud providers. Additionally, the method includes causing the particular container to be deployed on resources of the particular cloud provider.