Kubernetes: You should know this open source software

What's Kubernetes?

Kubernetes (also known as K8s) is an open source software introduced in 2014 for end-to-end automation of deployment and scaling processes and centralised management of Linux container clusters.

A solution powered by K8s can be deployed on a public or private cloud or a physical server infrastructure.

Kubernetes was originally designed by Google and later donated to Cloud Native Computing Foundation. The open source. The open source software is preferably used in combination with the Docker container manager, which, thanks to the increase in overall performance (CPU, RAM power), allows simple and fast horizontal scaling of LXD containers and Libcontainers as well as virtual scaling.

Virtual scaling is also possible in our Virtual Datacenter Adapt your infrastructure to your needs at the click of a mouse!

In the following, the basics of Kubernetes are discussed in more detail, a look at use cases is taken and finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the software are highlighted.

Kubernetes Use-Cases

First, let's look at the basic concept of software: containers. A container is, so to speak, the "packaging" of an application or website, including all environments and dependencies, which serve to simplify management processes such as data transfer from server to server, scaling or updates.

All these processes can be implemented for multiple apps or sites on the same host - without having to use multiple operating systems. This in turn reduces the load level on the host.

Kubernetes is basically a tool for centralised management of the containers described above.

The solution is based on several units and abstractions:

• Nodes, i.e. servers (physical or cloud-based), which are integrated into the Kubernetes cluster.
• Master, the node responsible for the management
• Kubelet, a process enabled by nodes
• Controller, a process for status management
• Pods, an abstraction for defining containers and resources needed for launch and management within Kubernetes clusters.
• Services, the definition of groups of Pods according to specific access rules
• volume, the storage space for localized data
• Operators used for the centralized management of condition-based containers within clusters

This list of abstractions is by no means exhaustive, but the terms mentioned above should help to understand the architecture and basic processes in the foundation of K8s.

Kubernetes operating principle

Kubernetes is based on the dynamic allocation of management resources between pods. The cluster that takes over the function of container management at a given moment has kubelet functionality, wizard components and storage space. The encapsulation of containers takes place in the pods, with predefined IP addresses guaranteeing the external access of the containers.

Such a system is highly fault-tolerant, because in case of an incorrect status Kubelet automatically restarts the Pods on a node that is functioning at that time.

For whom is Kubernetes suitable? 

Kubernetes provides the necessary level of abstraction that eliminates problems of operating system and hardware choice for running applications and sites. At the same time, Kubernetes opens up numerous possibilities for transfers and extensions.

The physical placement of containers can be anywhere in any way: on physical servers, in public, hybrid or private clouds - without API reference, supported languages and other operating system features.

Those who are looking for a universal solution for the centralised provision of websites and apps in PaaS format but at the same time need high flexibility with regard to specific components should consider Kubernetes.

Create new Kubernetes clusters within minutes via our Xelon platform.
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In addition, if required, we will provide you with our Solution Architect to assist you with any challenges with your next project. 

Advantages of Kubernetes for your business

Here are the main advantages of Kubernetes:

• Higher software stability: Kubernetes supports the end-to-end optimization of software deployment and management processes and provides scripts for higher fault tolerance, horizontal scaling and self-repairing systems.
• Efficient traffic handling: Horizontal scaling is much more cost-effective than dealing with server load peaks in the vertical method. Kubernetes not only solves the scaling problem, but also minimizes the probability of downtime by activating containers on different computers.
• Minimal scaling costs: Kubernetes reduces the need for additional hardware when scaling and thus minimises your IT costs.
• Versatile cloud deployment: The Kubernetes developer - Xelon Platform - has considered all eventualities when it comes to deploying containers in private, hybrid or public clouds. But beware: not every cloud provider can offer the Kubernetes cloud.
• No coding knowledge required: Thanks to the high degree of abstraction, it is not necessary to become familiar with the inner workings of the software with Kubernetes.
• Accelerated market introduction: Because Kubernetes offers end-to-end software delivery (including remote metering and security hardware), solutions can be brought to market without delay.
• No downtime: Thanks to the ability to place containers on multiple hosts simultaneously, changes can be made to the copies without interrupting all work processes.
• Easy Cloud Migration: Due to the abstraction and the independence of hardware, websites or web applications can be transferred from the cloud to a physical server without much effort.

Recommended: Tech trends like IOT, Kubernetes and Cloud you should know about

Traps lurking here

Like any software, Kubernetes has its disadvantages. These are the most common Kubernetes traps that customers fall into:

• Popularity before functionality: Kubernetes is extremely popular, is often praised in the tech-scene in high tones and might have been chosen just because of the current hype about the software. We recommend to compare several solutions as Kubernetes is by far not the only option on the market for automation, deployment and scaling of container applications.
• Lack of specialists: Despite the high popularity of Kubernetes, there is not yet a large selection of specialists.
• The downside of centralisation: Depending on the starting point and circumstances, centralizations can be a curse and a blessing at the same time. On the one hand, they provide high accessibility and stable performance, since all the necessary tools are in one place. On the other hand, there is the risk that the whole system suffers if a central node goes down.
• Technology in its infancy: Kubernetes is a relatively young technology, the community is still small compared to other, established technologies.

Conclusion

Today, Kubernetes is profitably used by global tech giants for the development of web solutions. Google, IBM, RedHat, Rackspace and many other renowned companies prove that Kubernetes can be a good choice when choosing software to automate, deploy and scale container applications.

If you too would like to implement a centralised approach to managing your web project, contact us. Xelon develops individual Kubernetes strategies that are aligned with the needs of your company.