Kubernetes (K8s for short) is an open source container orchestration system. It enables the automated deployment, scaling and management of container applications in a cluster environment. Managed Kubernetes refers to the deployment and management of the infrastructure as well as the installation, configuration and maintenance of Kubernetes clusters, allowing users to focus on developing and deploying their applications without having to worry about the complexity of the management of Kubernetes.

1. Simple set up: A managed Kubernetes service allows Kubernetes clusters to be set up quickly and easily. Providers of MK8s take over the configuration and management of the cluster, allowing customers to concentrate fully on their applications.
2. Scalability: Thanks to automatic scaling functions, resources can be adapted as required. This ensures optimal performance of running applications and guarantees that only the required resources are used.
3. Reliability: The use of a fully managed Kubernetes cluster enables a consistently high availability and reliability of applications running on it. Managed Kubernetes service providers take over the monitoring of Kubernetes clusters and ensure that errors are quickly rectified.
4. Security: Managed Kubernetes service providers implement additional security measures in order to minimize potential threats.
5. Expertise: A managed Kubernetes service provider offers a high level of expertise. By operating various Kubernetes clusters, providers have a high level of operational experience and extensive know-how. Dealing with a range of different scenarios allows experts to react quickly and strategically to any errors that may occur. Responsibility for infrastructure management lies with the provider, meaning that users do not have to provide their own resources.

Managed Kubernetes is suitable for all companies of different industries and sizes as well as public institutions (such as administration or research institutions) that want to develop and operate containerized applications and manage their orchestration efficiently.

MK8s is particularly useful for the following requirements:

• Scalability and flexibility in the deployment of distributed microservice-based applications
• High availability
• Efficient use of time by automating upgrades and maintenance of the Kubernetes cluster and underlying infrastructure
• Support with the implementation of multi-cloud strategies
• Reproducibility through the support of appropriate tools
• Separation of different application contexts: improves the separation of workloads in separate namespaces. Despite the logical separation, the underlying infrastructure can be shared.

Both Kubernetes and containers are open source technologies. Docker is a containerization platform and is therefore responsible for the containerization of applications, while Kubernetes (K8s) is responsible for the efficient orchestration and management of these containers in a cluster.

We at Cloud&Heat Technologies also rely on Kubernetes and containerization because it enables optimal utilization of the hardware and significantly simplifies the management and operation of applications.

Kubernetes is made up of a large number of different objects that are responsible for different tasks. These objects include pods, services, nodes, clusters as well as the API server.

Pods are the smallest deployment unit that contains one or more containers and shares common resources. Nodes are physical or virtual machines in a Kubernetes cluster on which pods are executed. A service allows you to deploy a group of pods running a specific application as a network service. A cluster is a group of nodes that work together to deploy and manage applications.

The controllers belonging to the objects have various tasks and are responsible for monitoring the desired state of a system and ensuring that this state is achieved and maintained. Controllers are able to recognize desired changes in the cluster and take appropriate measures to achieve the target state. In the event of hardware failures, a controller automatically ensures that the target state of the associated resources is restored as quickly as possible.

With an underlying standardized markup language the description of objects (such as any number of replicated pods) will be considerately simplified. Operators make it possible to automate extensive applications and their lifecycle in Kubernetes. An operator uses the Kubernetes API and resources to implement specific application logic that goes beyond the standard functions of Kubernetes. 

All resources are managed via a (highly available) API server. This acts as an interface for interaction with the Kubernetes cluster. It is responsible for processing API requests, managing resources and communicating between different components of the cluster.

Our solidly coordinated technology stack simplifies your day-to-day business by allowing you to concentrate on your applications or platforms while we take care of the underlying infrastructure - with 24/7 support if required.

We have several internal operations teams that not only operate existing K8s and OpenStack solutions, but also actively develop them further. Due to said combination of operations and development, we have a comprehensive understanding of the technology of the systems used. We also employ a large number of experts in the various domains, which enables us to solve problems quickly and sustainably.

• • Data security and compliance with EU GDPR standards through Hosting in Germany as well as ISO/IEC 27001–Certification
  • Use of open source tools for strengthening digital sovereignty and avoidance of vendor lock-in
  • Competent support including regular interaction
  • Service and maintenance including automated updates and upgrades
  • Stable software operation
  • Various operating scenarios from on-premise to (multi-)cloud

Regional Managed Kubernetes Service

As a regional service provider for MK8s, we attach great importance to strengthening the local economy and value the mutual support of regional companies. As a cloud provider from Saxony, we have expertise comparable to that of hyperscalers, but offer our customers close support and personalized support.

Introduction and consultation: You inform us about your organization or use case and the necessary requirements.

Planning and concept: Together we develop a holistic picture of your wishes and operational requirements and select the appropriate Managed Kubernetes package and the associated support provisions.

Commissioning of the Kubernetes cluster: We will send you the key material and the configuration files and you will be set up for working successfully with your new Kubernetes cluster.

The price for a Managed Kubernetes service varies depending on the Managed Kubernetes package you choose as well as on the agreed scope and the SLAs (Service Level Agreement). We would be happy to arrange a free consultation with you to evaluate your individual requirements and provide you with a detailed quote.