How does managed Kubernetes work

Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration system that brings simplicity to the management of container deployment. Its major function is the automation of all container operations such as deployment, networking, load balancing, scaling, and failover to provide consistent functionality across all the container clusters.

Despite countless built-in features and characteristics, Kubernetes is rather challenging to maintain and requires a whole team of in-house experts to provide its uninterrupted performance, which puts an excessive financial and labor load onto the company. Instead, there is a better solution – managed Kubernetes, which allows organizations to make use of containerized applications, while all the tech maintenance is addressed to third-party providers. Let’s learn how it functions.

What Is Managed Kubernetes?

Managed Kubernetes is a balanced approach that allows businesses to handle a containerized environment effortlessly while focusing on the core business goals.

With a managed Kubernetes environment, a cloud provider facilitates all the operational burdens such as infrastructure provisioning, configuration, upgrades, security, and ongoing management. Such an approach minimizes the developer's involvement and simplifies the deployment, scaling, and support of Kubernetes clusters.

The Characteristics of Managed Kubernetes

Continuing management – the Kubernetes-based infrastructure gets full support 24/7, with regular system upgrades and security patches.
Integrated authentication and control – minimize time for user and security management.
Unlimited scalability – based on the current business demands, the clusters can be added or removed.
Hybrid cloud environment – some providers of managed Kubernetes services handle cloud and on-premise infrastructure.
Browser-based dashboard – provides visibility into deployment and application management.
Automated monitoring – allows for performance auditing and verification.

The Benefits of Managed Kubernetes

1. Simplified management

Kubernetes is a highly beneficial IT solution, yet its complexity requires experienced and skilled developers to manage the whole infrastructure.

Managed Kubernetes alleviates the issue by redirecting the maintenance function to the third-party providers. Therefore, businesses can focus on their objectives by having the tech foundation fully covered.

2. Scalability

Scalability allows companies to adapt their infrastructure according to the current market demand.

Managed Kubernetes services automatically allocate the required resources, providing optimal and non-stop system performance.

3. Automated updates

With managed Kubernetes, the cluster infrastructure is always up and running, and secured. The service providers manage the life cycles of clusters, ensuring their uninterrupted performance, without business intervention.

4. High uptime

With managed Kubernetes, clusters feature integrated redundancy and failover mechanisms, which minimize the downtime and ensure high availability of the system.

5. Unloaded developers

Managed Kubernetes allows the developers to focus on business needs and requirements instead of targeting Kubernetes-related issues.

6. Improved security

The managed Kubernetes services provide cutting-edge solutions to ensure the protection of all clusters against attacks.

7. Balanced TCO

Due to the high complexity of the Kubernetes system, there is a need for a highly skilled team of in-house developers, who will dedicate their time entirely to the clusters’ functioning.

Managed Kubernetes service is a more affordable solution, as the cost of setting up and maintaining the system is significantly lower than the one with in-house expertise. It results in a reduced total cost of ownership.

How to Choose Managed Kubernetes Services?

The service market offers a plentiful of options, thus, it is important to consider all the characteristics to choose the one meeting the business requirements:

1. Deployment options

Managed Kubernetes services offer different deployment options: from a full range of deployment functions and private data centers to working with one public cloud.

If flexibility is the core business need, it is better to proceed with managed Kubernetes services that offer a range of deployment options and locations.

2. Automated scaling and restarts

It is recommended to look for services that offer an all-encompassing presence. They manage the restart of failed applications and automate the deployment of additional nodes providing stability to the workload. It is particularly important for teams and businesses who lack relevant skills and expertise onboard. Such a considerate approach maintains a stable system functioning, and minimizes downtime.

3. Experience and expertise

Experience is always among the core features to consider, as it ensures a smooth and uninterrupted system running. Before proceeding with one company, it is important to study their profile and portfolio to ensure that their skills and knowledge meet the business demands.

When the Kubernetes service company is new to the market, it can be a risky cooperation and a matter of luck as the chances for success and failure are equal.

4. Pricing model

Pricing is one of the most impactful characteristics. Consider the base cost – reflects the number of nodes, the resources within each node, the time the nodes must be running monthly; and fees for additional storage and networking.

Oftentimes, providers offer a calculator to estimate the cost, which allows potential clients to make the comparison.

5. Reviews and testimonials

Reviews make the company’s profile complete, ensuring that the company’s claims live up to their actual performance.

Clutch, Glassdoor, Google reviews, testimonials left on the native company’s website – every mention will help to see the big picture and define if the company is a good fit for cooperation.

The Final Thoughts

Kubernetes is the system that powers container management and provides development flexibility. While beneficial through and through, it does cause complexities with its management the in-house developers may fail to handle. In such a case, the best solution is the managed Kubernetes service companies, who take care of all the technicalities while letting businesses concentrate on their core needs and goals.

Managed Kubernetes is an efficient and time-saving approach that accelerates a business’s productivity and profitability.