Kubernetes for Dummies

Kubernetes for Dummies

You've probably heard of Kubernetes and container technology. More and more organizations are using them. And given the importance of rapid development and careful management of modern applications, you can no longer ignore this powerful combination.

But what exactly is Kubernetes? What is it used for? In what situations does Kubernetes come in handy? And what are the main advantages and disadvantages of the platform? In this article, we explain it in understandable language.

What are containers?

To better understand what Kubernetes is and what it actually does, let's first take a brief look at the phenomenon known as container technology. Think of containers as more compact and lighter versions of virtual machines (VMs). VMs function as complete mini-computers: they contain a complete copy of the operating system, the application, and all associated binaries and libraries. Containers, on the other hand, only use parts of the host machine's operating system.

The big advantage of this compactness? You can run many more containers than VMs on the same hardware. Containers use fewer resources, computing power, and storage space than virtual machines because they only contain the components needed to run an application correctly.

What is Kubernetes?

Kubernetes (Greek for "helmsman") comes into play when you want to create and manage containers. It is an open-source orchestration platform originally developed by Google to enable large-scale container management. You can think of it as an operating system designed specifically for the cloud. Thousands of companies now use Kubernetes, including more than half of the Fortune 100 organizations.

Kubernetes consists of multiple components, including:

• The Kubernetes API server – Provides the programming interface to control the platform.
• The Kubernetes Scheduler – Compares new pods with existing pods and determines where they will be placed.
• The etcd database – Forms the single point of truth where the entire status of the cluster is stored.
• The Kubernetes controller manager – Ensures that the desired state of the cluster is maintained.
• The cloud controller manager – Handles integration with public cloud providers' platforms.
• The Kubelet – An agent that enables you to create, register, manage, update, and, if necessary, delete pods.

In addition, there are a number of important basic concepts and elements within Kubernetes:

• Nodes – These enable pods to be started and form a cluster together. Each cluster consists of a master node and multiple worker nodes.
• A cluster – A group of nodes on which you run and manage container applications with Kubernetes.
• A container – An image consisting of software and all associated dependencies.
• A pod – A container or set of containers that you run within your Kubernetes cluster.

Why and how do we use Kubernetes?

Why and how do we use Kubernetes? What can you do with it, and what are the benefits of using Kubernetes? In the following overview, we answer these important questions.

For automatic scaling of your containers

Kubernetes makes it possible to automatically scale the number of containers. Depending on your current needs, you can add or remove containers. This is a particularly useful feature in the cloud. During quiet periods, you can simply use fewer resources to save costs. And during peak periods, when more bandwidth or computing power is needed, you can scale up quickly.

For managing different container versions

Kubernetes allows you to manage different versions of containers. You can upgrade some of the running pods to a new version and view the results before updating all pods that deliver your product.

Rolling out releases across all your servers can be done with just one command. Kubernetes then replaces the old containers with new containers across all your servers, without causing any downtime.

For balancing container workloads and increasing uptime

Kubernetes also helps you balance your digital workloads. Containers can be automatically distributed across your entire cluster, ensuring higher availability and better uptime.

In addition, you can consciously assign pods to specific nodes that have the right hardware. Kubernetes also makes it easy to link multiple servers for applications that require high availability.

For automatic performance checks and observability

Kubernetes has features that allow you to automatically check whether all your containers are still functioning correctly. This automated control mechanism saves you a lot of manual work and allows you to intervene quickly when containers fail or behave abnormally.

When to use Kubernetes

In which situations does it make sense to use Kubernetes? And when does the platform really offer added value? Peak loads—seasonal or otherwise—are a typical practical example where Kubernetes really comes into its own. During such periods, certain applications are used intensively.

Kubernetes can address capacity issues at the pod or application level by automatically deploying additional resources when an application is approaching its limits. In addition, Kubernetes is ideal for managing highly complex IT landscapes with large amounts of data, applications, and interconnections.

The 6 advantages of Kubernetes

#1 Speed

Kubernetes makes it possible to run multiple versions of an application simultaneously. The big advantage of this? Because software automatically goes through various testing and acceptance environments, you can roll out applications much faster. This significantly shortens development cycles.

#2 Standardization

Kubernetes is strongly committed to standardization. Regardless of which applications you run, the setup and structure with Kubernetes are largely the same. The platform is suitable for a wide range of application types, such as stateful and stateless applications, microservices, replicated applications, and applications in colocation environments.

#3 More control, lower costs

Kubernetes also offers clear advantages in terms of control and cost management. Development teams retain a complete overview of all containers and dependencies within the cloud environment. Faster and simpler development becomes the norm, which ultimately also has a positive effect on total development costs.

#4 A diverse ecosystem of tools and services

By using Kubernetes, you benefit from a broad ecosystem of functionalities and supporting services. Many specialized tools are already available for Kubernetes and the broader container ecosystem. Thanks to its open-source nature, there is also plenty of room for customization and further expansion.

#5 A secure environment for management and development

Kubernetes utilizes role-based access control, network encryption, and security certificates. This allows you to easily assign the appropriate roles and access rights to users. This ensures that the platform can be securely linked to any cloud environment or existing AD or LDAP structure.

#6 Future-proof

Technology is developing rapidly and new innovations are following each other in quick succession. Making your IT environment future-proof is therefore essential. Do you expect growth in the number of users or in traffic? With Kubernetes, you can quickly adapt applications to changing circumstances and develop new solutions for new needs.

The disadvantages of Kubernetes

But does Kubernetes have no disadvantages at all? Is it a magic tool that instantly eliminates all challenges related to application and cloud management? Unfortunately not. For example, it is not always easy to fully tailor the platform to the exact needs and wishes of your organization.

Precisely because Kubernetes offers so many possibilities, linking and organizing components such as storage, infrastructure, and load balancing is often a complex task that requires considerable technical expertise. In addition, Kubernetes is often overkill for relatively simple applications. In such cases, the time and effort required to set up the platform properly do not outweigh the benefits that Kubernetes offers.

Would you like to reap the benefits of Kubernetes, but lack the time and/or technical knowledge to set everything up and manage it yourself? Then managed Kubernetes is often a good solution. A specialized partner takes care of the most complex tasks, allowing you to focus fully on developing new features and applications.

Kubernetes and SUE

Would you also like to benefit from the advantages of Kubernetes and get the most out of container technology? Are you looking for support in the areas of management and design? Then SUE is the right place for you.

Our experts containerize on-premise applications and seamlessly migrate workloads to the cloud. With our Cloud Native Adoption Platform (Multistax), you get access to a ready-to-use, fully functional Kubernetes environment within half an hour. This environment is suitable for any cloud provider and cloud solution. In addition, the platform integrates effortlessly with popular open-source tools such as GitLab and Elastic. Our specialists are also continuously working to further improve the platform.

Would you like to learn more about Kubernetes, containerization, Multistax, or our other services? Feel free to contact us!