Kubernetes

Kubernetes is the current standard for container orchestration and microservice management. Originally started as an internal Google project, it has gained popularity over Docker Swarm and similar competitors in recent years.

Functionality

Kubernetes does not follow a monolithic approach, but consists of different components that can be put together in many different ways. The control of the system has the so-called Control Plane which typically operated on dedicated servers, the so-called master nodes. The Control Plane itself is divided into different components. These include: the kube-apiserver, the kube-controller-manager, the scheduler and the cloud-controller-manager.

Resources and states are persisted in an etcd database. The actual workloads are run on separate servers, the worker nodes. To control the workloads, a component called kubelet is run on each server. A component called kube-proxy is also used for service management. The architecture is designed to be as modular as possible using the REST architecture, so that individual parts can be replaced without much effort.

Defined interfaces enable Kubernetes to address a multitude of different components. Standards such as the Container Storage Interface (CSI), the Container Network Interface (CNI) or the Container Runtime Interface (CRI) enable compatibility between components.

Besides the flexibility of the components regarding configuration and distribution, Kubernetes can be extended very well. A wide range of options are available for this purpose. Examples are: Cloud Provider Plugins, Admission Webhooks, Authentication Webhooks, Custom Resource Definitions and Operators. This extensibility allows you to configure exactly the configuration you need, and gives you the freedom to choose from a variety of extensions and projects that fit your needs. Be it network functionality, persistent storage, container runtime or certificate management.

In addition to the offerings of the various cloud providers, a number of tools are available to install your own Kubernetes cluster – be it in the cloud or on-premise. Among the best known representatives are tools like kubeadm, kops, kubespray and rancher. The latter offers additional functionality besides the installation.

How can we help you?

Due to our experience from various projects and intensive further education in all areas relevant for productive operation, we can support you with the conception, installation and also support of your Kubernetes clusters.

In a workshop we would work out the requirements for the cluster together and present the corresponding possibilities as well as their advantages and disadvantages based on your infrastructure and your requirements.

Subsequently, we work out a concept for cluster realization together and support you and your colleagues in this phase with training to ensure the best possible start in the new infrastructure.

In order to make the operation as robust and automated as possible in the long term, we work together to develop a CI/CD (Continous Integration / Delivery) strategy. This includes, for example, the creation of own container images and deployments in the Kubernetes cluster. Tools such as Docker, Buildah or Kaniko are used to build the images and Gitlab, Helm, Kustomize, Argo CD or similar for deployment. The exact selection of the tools is done according to your requirements and preferences.

To control the deployment, existing infrastructure such as Jenkins (X), Gitlab or tectonic pipelines can be used. Of course you can also count on us for the implementation of this area.

credativ does not only support “vanilla” Kubernetes, but offers services for distributions based on them such as okd or Rancher.

Support services

Do you already have an existing cluster, are not satisfied with its performance, or have problems you need help with?

credativ is happy to support you, whether with an on-site workshop, debugging, uncomplicated remote access, with a fixed support contract or on hourly billing.

Here is an overview of our services in short form:

  • Concept
  • Conversion/Installation
  • Support
  • Trainings
  • CI/CD
  • Support
Open Source Support Center
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Have we piqued your interest?

Our experts will be happy to answer your specific questions and support you in choosing the right open source solution for your project.

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Our answers to the most frequently asked questions:

Our support is focused on the actual needs of our customers. This means that we naturally offer more support than the traditional support offered by many manufacturers. But what’s important, and this applies for any software that is operated in business-critical areas, is that the operation is appropriately secured. This is where we provide technical support at the manufacturer level with guaranteed service level agreements.
All of our employees are experienced Open Source developers and administrators. We are the replacement for missing manufacturer support, and support the entire lifecycle of your Open Source software by means of our Open Source Support Center. We provide the necessary support and all the services for your entire Open Source stack under one roof.
Our service and support contracts take account of your interests, not those of investors. We deliberately use completely different contract and price models to those of countless international software manufacturers and are proud that our fair support offers are a solid and reliable basis for long-term and successful cooperation with large national and international customers. We also want to provide a model that is completely independent of the usual factors, such as the number of users, the number of CPUs/cores and servers used or similar limiting factors. We would be pleased to discuss further details with you personally. More about the operation of our Open Source Support Centers
We guarantee it! You receive the certainty that you need. We are always there for you. Around the clock, 365 days a year. You can find more information under 24x7 support.
Don’t worry! We operate without an intervening call center. You receive direct access to our Open Source specialists. You can reach our support via central dispatching by phone, ticket system, or email. You can find more information under Availability.
Our Open Source Support Center is located in the Federal Republic of Germany and all our technical specialists are employed on a permanent basis. We provide both national and international support, in German or English as required.
Our technical support covers a range of popular Open Source projects, which are often operated in business-critical applications. You can find a selection of the projects supported by our Open Source Support Center in our software overview. More information is available under Software.
Absolutely! When a technical fault occurs, the cause needs to be determined quickly and precisely, and eliminated, or at least an initial workaround needs to be found. That’s why we offer guaranteed service level agreements for availability as well as for different response times.