Kubernetes Approach for Enterprise Application Development

Kubernetes is an open-source container-orchestration tool developed by Google that helps automate computer application deployment, scaling, and management. It was first rolled out to developers in 2015 and has gradually become a platform widely loved by developers. As per a survey by Cloud Native reports, the use of containers in production has increased by 84% from the previous year, up to 92%. The use of Kubernetes is up 78% from the previous year, reaching 83%.

Kubernetes plays an important role in application development along with Docker. While docker containerizes enterprise apps, Kubernetes is responsible for orchestrating these containers. But we will cover this Kubernetes vs Docker topic some other day. Today, we will be looking at the different ways you can use the Kubernetes approach for enterprise application development, and which approach you should adopt for desired results.

1. Managing on a PaaS platform

One of the best Kubernetes practices is to manage it on a PaaS platform. The best thing about doing so is that it helps get things done pretty easily. First, we interpret the code, followed by installing dependencies and performing containerization. And then finally, we deploy the product.

This approach, however, is not much suitable for things like installing custom software. Moreover, it tags several restrictions on what developers can do with Kubernetes. Ultimately, developers feel compelled to rely on workarounds if certain things aren’t feasible.

2. Managing on Cloud

A major reason behind enterprises hosting Kubernetes on Cloud is that it is convenient. You can save ample time and money by letting a cloud provider manage Kubernetes for you. And there are a number of options to choose from, such as Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS), Google Kubernetes Engine, etc.

This convenience though comes at the cost of vendor lock-ins. Besides, the choice of the technical stack also gets restricted to what the cloud server thinks is best for you.

3. A third-party managing Kubernetes

You can also have Kubernetes managed by a third-party vendor. These vendors manage Kubernetes clusters in their own data centers, either on-premise or in the public cloud. Additionally, you also receive 24×7 enterprise support. There are two main reasons why enterprises prefer to have Kubernetes managed by a third-party vendor. One is the high availability and the other is simplified management.

4. Native Kubernetes Platform

Native Kubernetes platforms are close to open-source Kubernetes. They integrate with various cloud providers, thereby allowing users to manage Kubernetes clusters across multiple environments from a single control panel. Put simply, a single Kubernetes management layer would be handling all the environments. The only aspect in which the native Kubernetes platform differs from the open-source Kubernetes is the user focus. While the former is more focused on user-friendliness, the latter provides better operational control and access to more advanced capabilities of Kubernetes.

Which Kubernetes approach would suit your enterprise the most?

This will primarily depend on the business objectives you want to achieve with the Kubernetes approach along with how much operational control you are willing to offer. If ease of use is a priority over customization, then managing Kubernetes on the PaaS platform would be the ideal approach. But if you are not comfortable with not having the infrastructure control, this approach can be avoided.

If you are not much concerned about giving up operational control to a third-party cloud vendor and don’t have a problem with vendor lock-in, managing Kubernetes on Cloud would be a better option.

Having it managed by a third-party vendor can be the ideal option in case you are still building the Kubernetes expertise. On the other hand, if you have a team that can effectively manage Kubernetes on its own, in that case, the last approach, which is the Native Kubernetes Platform would be a good choice.

In a nutshell, the Kubernetes approach for Enterprise application development will depend on several factors, such as the level of control you want to have, the usability and flexibility of the solution, and your own approach towards adopting cloud solutions. Analyze your business needs and go forward with the one most appropriate.