Managing Kubernetes efficiently: customized cloud services for your digital transformation
Digitalization poses new challenges for public administrations, the healthcare sector, trade and industry. Applications need to be managed reliably and flexibly – as independently as possible from international cloud providers.
STACKIT – a European cloud service based on open source software – meets these data protection and compliance requirements.
To achieve this, STACKIT relies on modern technology with efficient, scalable and fail-safe applications. Container technologies and their intelligent management are important. This is where Kubernetes comes into play: an open source platform that forms the heart of many innovative cloud solutions.
Kubernetes: containers, pods & nodes at a glance
Kubernetes (called k8s) is open source software that was originally developed by Google. Today, the platform is maintained and further developed by the Native Computing Foundation (CNCF). With Kubernetes, developers and companies can automatically deploy, manage and scale container applications (apps).
Containers function like small, isolated packages. They contain all the code and all the necessary components that make an application run. Containers are usually created with the open source software Docker.
k8s reliably distributes these containers to several servers (nodes) in the cluster. If a server fails, Kubernetes automatically ensures that the applications continue to run without interruption – whether in the public cloud, in your own data center or in hybrid environments. For IT teams and managers, this means they can run apps efficiently without having to worry about the underlying infrastructure.
Frequently used Kubernetes terms at a glance
- Pod: The smallest unit in Kubernetes. This is where one or more containers come together.
- Node: A server (physical or virtual) on which pods are executed.
- Cluster: A group of several servers that jointly provide resources for workload and apps.
- Docker: A widely used open source software for creating, deploying and managing containers.
- API: The Kubernetes API enables developers and users to programmatically control clusters and workloads.
- Scheduler: Responsible for distributing the pods to the nodes.
- etcd: A distributed database that stores all configuration and status information.
- Ingress: Controls external access to the service running in the cluster.
- Controller Manager: Coordinates various controller processes to maintain the desired state of the cluster.
- Health: The state of a container or pod. Kubernetes uses liveness and readiness probes to monitor whether applications are running correctly and are accessible, and restarts them in the event of problems to ensure stability.
The former Google technology Kubernetes is now considered the de facto standard for modern IT infrastructures. It forms the technological basis of many cloud services – including STACKIT.
STACKIT Runtime
Easily create, deliver and operate containerized workloads
STACKIT Kubernetes Engine (SKE) is a robust, scalable, and managed Kubernetes service. SKE supplies a CNCF-compliant Kubernetes cluster, and makes it easy to provide standard Kubernetes applications and containerized workloads.
Customized Kubernetes clusters can be easily created as a self-service via the STACKIT portal.
Rethinking business: With the Kubernetes STACKIT Engine (SKE)
STACKIT combines the powerful functions of Kubernetes with a secure and certified cloud platform. Your advantages with Kubernetes at a glance:
High flexibility and scalability
Everything on start: With Kubernetes, applications in containers can be flexibly started, stopped and automatically scaled as required. STACKIT provides a high-performance and powerful cloud environment – which also reacts spontaneously to fluctuating user numbers and new requirements.
Sovereignty and Data Protection
STACKIT operates its data centers exclusively in Germany and Austria. In combination with Kubernetes, users and developers retain full control over their data and applications – a decisive advantage for compliance with the GDPR and other data protection regulations.
High reliability and geo-redundancy
Kubernetes ensures that faulty containers are automatically restarted or distributed to other nodes. STACKIT supplements this stability with geo-redundancy. This means that your web app and data are stored in multiple locations. This means that every service runs stably at all times, even in the event of disruptions.
Efficient resource
management
The Kubernetes scheduler automatically distributes containers to available servers (nodes) and makes optimum use of resources. STACKIT provides modern hardware and infrastructure so that CPU, memory and network resources are used optimally. This saves costs and increases the performance of your application.
Managed services and support
With STACKIT, you don’t have to worry about running Kubernetes yourself. The Manager Kubernetes Service takes care of everything important for you: Installation, updates, monitoring, security patches. You can control your clusters easily and reliably via the central Control Plane and the Manager. This gives your IT teams and developers more time to concentrate on running their applications.
Integration of modern technologies
STACKIT supports the seamless integration of DevOps tools, microservices architectures, open APIs and other cloud-native technologies. Kubernetes is at the heart of this. It orchestrates modern, modular applications efficiently and makes operations more efficient than ever.
With Kubernetes on STACKIT, you get a powerful, secure and flexible platform that is specially tailored to the needs of public administrations and the healthcare sector. You benefit from innovative technology, European data sovereignty and comprehensive service – for stable, efficient and future-proof operation of your applications.
Application examples for Kubernetes with STACKIT
Digital administration portals
Whether citizen applications, document downloads or appointment bookings – many local authorities operate digital portals for their citizens. With STACKIT, individual components (e.g. web app, database, authentication service) run as flexible container applications. The system automatically provides additional resources when demand is high – for example, following new changes to legislation. This ensures that the portal remains accessible at all times.
Healthcare applications with high security requirements
Digital patient records and specialist medical applications must meet particularly high security requirements. STACKIT Kubernetes manages these web apps with high availability and geo-redundancy. Thanks to GDPR compliance and certifications such as C5 and ISO 27001, sensitive patient data is optimally protected.
Digital services for customers and partners
Retail companies are also increasingly relying on Kubernetes technology to provide APIs and digital services for business partners and customers. STACKIT ensures a secure and high-performance connection with traffic management and scalable interfaces. DevOps tools and monitoring support IT teams in keeping an eye on performance and security at all times.
Automated data processing and analysis
When large volumes of administrative data need to be processed, for example for statistics, flexible solutions are required. With STACKIT Kubernetes, analysis tools and AI models can be provided and scaled dynamically as required. New applications can be tested and deployed quickly – without additional infrastructure.
Secure interfaces for third-party providers
Public authorities now offer APIs for external service providers, such as e-government services or online payment systems. With Kubernetes on STACKIT, these interfaces can be provided securely, scalably and with high availability – including access control and automatic troubleshooting.
Test and development environments
New software solutions must be available quickly in test environments. STACKIT Kubernetes enables IT teams and developers to easily set up test and development environments. Different versions can be run in parallel and go live immediately if successful.
Good to know: With the STACKIT Kubernetes Engine, public administrations, healthcare, retail and industry can manage digital applications flexibly, securely and efficiently.
Tips, tricks & important information for using Kubernetes with STACKIT
- Start with small projects: Start with a pilot project or a test environment to gain initial experience with containers, pods and Kubernetes workloads. STACKIT offers you the support you need.
- Use managed services: STACKIT takes over management, monitoring and updates of the Kubernetes clusters as well as support. This allows you to concentrate fully on the development and integration of your applications.
- Activate geo-redundancy and reliability: Use the cloud-native features of STACKIT to ensure that your applications remain location-independent and highly available.
- Observe security and compliance requirements: STACKIT is ISO 27001 and C5 certified and supports you in complying with important data protection regulations such as GDPR and KRITIS.
- Automation and scaling: Benefit from Kubernetes with automatic scaling, self-healing and efficient scheduling of workloads. The central Control Plane and Manager take over central management, making your business future-proof.
- Integration of existing systems: STACKIT enables the connection of legacy applications and hybrid cloud solutions. Use the APIs and partner tools for a smooth connection between on-premises and cloud environments.
- Use resources efficiently: Kubernetes distributes container workloads optimally across the available servers. It ensures a balanced use of CPU and other hardware resources. This not only saves costs, but also increases performance.
- Set up monitoring and alerts: Monitor your containers, clusters and microservices with STACKIT’s integrated monitoring and API tools. This allows you to detect bottlenecks or failures at an early stage.
- Secure interfaces and network management: Use Kubernetes ingress, proxy and discovery features to securely deploy APIs and web applications and control traffic in a targeted manner.
- Scalability for the future: STACKIT Kubernetes supports multicloud and hybrid scenarios and allows you to flexibly adapt your cloud strategy to the requirements of a digital and modern infrastructure.
Important note: Take advantage of STACKIT’s comprehensive advice – especially if you need a clear strategy or support with planning, migration or integration. STACKIT accompanies you from the initial idea to the stable operation of your cloud solution.
Your path to the secure cloud – with Kubernetes and STACKIT
With STACKIT, you are opting for a European cloud platform that is specially tailored to the high requirements of public administrations and the healthcare sector. You benefit from modern Kubernetes management that offers maximum flexibility, scalability and resilience for your apps and services – independent of international cloud providers. Kubernetes, originally developed by Google and now part of the CNCF (Native Computing Foundation), continuously benefits from innovations and strong community support.
STACKIT stands for data protection, compliance and certified security to the highest standards. Whether in the public cloud, in hybrid infrastructures or in multicloud scenarios – you retain full control over your data and systems at all times. Thanks to our managed services, comprehensive support and individual advice, getting started in the cloud is easy and secure – regardless of whether you are taking your first steps into the world of containers or are already managing complex projects.
Concentrate on your core competencies – we take care of your digital processes in the background. Get started now with STACKIT – into the digital future of your company.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Kubernetes
Where is my data stored with STACKIT?
Your data is stored exclusively in certified data centers in Germany and Austria. STACKIT thus guarantees the highest standards of data protection and compliance in accordance with the GDPR guidelines and ISO 27001 and C5 certifications.
Is STACKIT suitable for critical infrastructures (KRITIS) and sensitive applications?
Yes, STACKIT fulfills all relevant certifications and requirements for KRITIS and the healthcare sector. The platform offers geo-redundancy, high resilience and comprehensive security features.
How does STACKIT support the migration of existing applications to the cloud?
STACKIT offers comprehensive consulting, tools and support for the migration and integration of existing applications – whether on-premises, hybrid or multicloud environments.
What are the benefits of STACKIT’s Managed Kubernetes Service?
With STACKIT Managed Kubernetes, you benefit from automated management, monitoring, scaling and security updates. You can efficiently control containers, workloads and microservices without having to worry about technical operations.
Can I combine STACKIT with other cloud or security technologies?
Yes, STACKIT supports the integration of partner solutions, cybersecurity tools and AI assistants. The platform is open for APIs, modern DevOps tools and enables multicloud and hybrid scenarios.
