by Centroid
In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, Kubernetes has emerged as a pivotal tool for effectively deploying and managing applications across diverse cloud environments. To explore the intricacies of Kubernetes and its distinguishing features compared to traditional virtual machines (VMs), Ajay Arora, Centroid’s Managing Partner/CTO, sat down with Jacob Beasley, an expert in Kubernetes at Centroid.
Listen to the full conversation by tuning into our podcast. However, continue reading for a summary of the key takeaways from their conversation.
Listen on-demand
The Birth of Kubernetes
In the past, setting up software on Virtual Machines (VMs) required a lot of manual work. This often led to inefficiencies and made it difficult to scale up as needed. Then along came Kubernetes, which changed the game entirely. Kubernetes streamlines deployment by utilizing containers, which encapsulate applications along with their dependencies and environment settings.
Discussing the inception of Kubernetes, Jacob highlights, “Google was faced with this problem [of manual VM configuration]…they said we want to make a standard way to deploy everything…that’s how Kubernetes was born.”
Kubernetes: Transforming Deployment and Scaling
Kubernetes offers a standardized approach to deployment, as Beasley explains, “Kubernetes gives you a standard way to describe a deployment.” This standardization enables the encapsulation of application configurations into containers, facilitating swift and consistent deployment across diverse environments. Moreover, Kubernetes’ ability to scale applications effortlessly is highlighted by Beasley, who notes, “You can take all of these things and package them up in a consistent way and tell Kubernetes to make it so, and then it makes it so.”
The efficiency of Kubernetes becomes evident when comparing container boot-up times with traditional VMs. Beasley illustrates this by stating, “You could have containers that boot up in maybe 5 to 20 seconds…whereas a VM might take many minutes.” This significant reduction in boot-up time is attributed to the lightweight nature of containers, which share the underlying operating system kernel, minimizing overhead.
With Kubernetes, resource efficiency is enhanced, operational tasks are streamlined, and scalability becomes seamless, making it an ideal choice for modern microservices architectures.
Is Kubernetes the Right Fit for Your Workloads?
Not all workloads are equally suited for Kubernetes environments. While modern, automated applications thrive in Kubernetes ecosystems, legacy systems or Windows-based applications may present compatibility challenges. Evaluating workload characteristics and compatibility beforehand is essential to ensure optimal outcomes.
While Kubernetes offers unparalleled advantages, it’s crucial to assess workload compatibility. As Beasley advises, “It’s usually recommended to those using Windows to look at something other than Kubernetes…Linux workloads are best…if you have an application that can’t be set up in an automated fashion, like certain kinds of Legacy vendor application, customers may want to look at traditional VM.”
On the other hand, Linux workloads excel in Kubernetes environments, especially for applications with automated setups. Popular languages like Java, .NET, Python, and PHP seamlessly run in containers, leveraging existing Docker files and Helm Charts to streamline deployment processes.
Simplifying Kubernetes Adoption
Centroid is dedicated to simplifying Kubernetes adoption for businesses, ensuring a smooth transition to cloud-native computing. With a strong emphasis on migration efficiency, Centroid equips clients with standardized tools and expert guidance to expedite deployment processes. Jacob highlights this focus, stating, “It’s really about getting people migrated quicker so they can focus on building products.”
Leveraging Oracle Kubernetes Engine (OKE), Centroid facilitates seamless Kubernetes adoption. Jacob underscores the benefits of OKE, noting, “[OKE] uses Kubernetes native concepts whereas some of the competitors don’t…it does integrate with Oracle [products] really well…and by default it seems to run a bit more securely than some of the competitors.” By harnessing OKE, Centroid ensures businesses can confidently embrace Kubernetes, maintaining compatibility and security with Oracle solutions.
Our commitment to customer success is evident in our holistic approach. Jacob elaborates, “We have a tool called MS sweeper which does security and policy management so it’s like you get this entire production ready cluster, and we can set it up for people probably faster than anybody we’ve seen.”
Navigating Tomorrow’s Cloud Landscape with Centroid and Kubernetes
As the cloud landscape continues to evolve, Kubernetes stands out as a key player, bringing efficiency, scalability, and flexibility to the table. At Centroid, we’re here to be your trusted ally, making the journey through modern cloud deployment both smooth and approachable. Join us in embracing the future of cloud-native computing, where possibilities are limitless with Kubernetes and Centroid by your side.
Tune into our Convo’s with Centroid podcast for more insights and updates on cloud solutions.
Our podcast is designed to help businesses stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing landscape of cloud computing. Each episode features expert guests who will share their insights and success stories on how to utilize cloud technology and transformational services for ultimate success. Browse our podcast episode library.