Key Considerations Before Using Kubernetes

Do the benefits of Kubernetes outweigh the complexity and potential expense?

Kubernetes has taken the tech world by storm since its introduction in 2014. As per the Cloud Native Computing Foundation's survey in 2019, 78% of surveyed organizations were utilizing Kubernetes in their production, a 20% increase from the previous year. The Kubernetes repository on Github saw a whopping 86,673 commits and 2,390 active contributors in December 2019 alone.

This technology provides a framework for running distributed systems resiliently, handling scaling and failover for your applications, and offering various deployment patterns. However, is Kubernetes a good fit for your organization? Let's dive in to explore some common concerns and misconceptions about Kubernetes and how to address them.

The Hype Around Kubernetes: Is It Justified?

Kubernetes has been making waves in the cloud computing industry, with many considering it as the present and future of the sector. Its increasing usage and robust community support contribute to its popularity. However, it would be a mistake to decide solely based on current trends or to emulate another organization's cloud infrastructure.

Solution:

While Kubernetes is surrounded by a lot of hype, its container orchestration capabilities are undeniable. It gives teams the ability to deliver quickly, efficiently, and at reduced costs. By using Kubernetes, you can save significant time on operational development resources. It offers features like updates with almost zero downtime, self-healing clusters, and version rollback. Kubernetes is more than just a container orchestration tool; it is gradually becoming an industry standard for container production.

The Complexity of Kubernetes: Is It Manageable?

There's no denying that Kubernetes is complex. It simplifies the use of containers but introduces its own set of intricacies. To leverage Kubernetes, developers and DevOps teams need to understand key concepts and components like network, security, portability, and resilience. They also need to understand its architecture, storage, API, and administrative system.

Solution:

The complexity of Kubernetes contributes to its flexibility. Your teams can deploy and manage a substantial amount of infrastructure with increased operational velocity. However, you need specialized, knowledgeable developers in your team to effectively manage these complexities. If you lack such resources, consider using a Kubernetes management platform to bypass these complexities.

The Cost of Kubernetes: Is It Worth It?

Kubernetes is often considered 'too expensive.' However, it’s designed for large scale operations. For small scale applications that require only a few servers, the cost might seem burdensome. Moreover, Kubernetes developers come with high salaries, often crossing six figures.

Solution:

Consider using Kubernetes through a platform that offers time and money-saving capabilities. Outsourcing allows you to develop faster, access more insights and tools, troubleshoot issues, and maintain high security standards.

So, Is Kubernetes Worth It?

To make the most out of Kubernetes, organizations need to automate the work that drains time, budget, and resources. You need to assess the amount of time and resources you're willing to devote to Kubernetes. If your team lacks the required knowledge and expertise, consider using a product that streamlines the benefits of deploying applications with Kubernetes at scale and at a lower cost.

To learn more about Kubernetes get in touch to streamline your Kubernetes journey.

The decision to adopt Kubernetes should be based on your organization's specific needs and resources. While it offers numerous benefits, it also requires a significant investment in terms of time, money, and knowledge. Therefore, it's crucial to evaluate its pros and cons carefully before making a decision.