Scale Your Applications with Kubernetes

Kubernetes is worth considering when you have multiple containerized applications requiring orchestration, need automatic scaling based on load, require high availability with self-healing capabilities, are implementing microservices architecture, need to deploy across multiple environments consistently, or want platform independence across clouds. However, Kubernetes adds operational complexity. For smaller applications or teams just starting with containers, Docker Compose might be more appropriate. We provide honest assessment of whether Kubernetes fits your current needs and future goals.

We provide comprehensive Kubernetes services including cluster design and setup on managed platforms (EKS, GKE, AKS) or self-hosted, application containerization and migration, creating deployment manifests and Helm charts, implementing CI/CD pipelines for automated deployments, configuring monitoring with Prometheus and Grafana, setting up logging solutions, implementing security best practices and RBAC, training your team on Kubernetes operations, and providing documentation and runbooks. We can handle complete implementation or assist with specific areas based on your needs.

Timelines vary based on scope and complexity. Initial cluster setup on managed services takes 1-2 weeks including basic configuration and networking. Migrating applications typically adds 2-4 weeks depending on number and complexity. Implementing monitoring, logging, CI/CD, and security hardening takes another 2-3 weeks. A complete production-ready implementation usually takes 6-10 weeks. This includes testing, training, and documentation. We work in phases so you can start deploying applications while additional features are implemented. We'll provide a detailed timeline after assessing your specific requirements.

The choice depends on your existing infrastructure, team expertise, and requirements. AWS EKS integrates well with AWS services and is good if you're already on AWS. Google GKE often has the most polished experience with excellent defaults and is considered easiest for teams new to Kubernetes. Azure AKS works well if you're using Microsoft services. Managed services are generally recommended as they handle control plane upgrades and basic maintenance, reducing operational burden. Self-hosted Kubernetes (using tools like kubeadm or Rancher) gives more control but requires more expertise. We help evaluate trade-offs and recommend based on your specific situation.

Kubernetes costs include managed service fees ($70-150/month for control plane on EKS/GKE/AKS), compute resources for worker nodes (varies widely based on size and number), load balancers and persistent storage, networking and data transfer, and operational overhead. Small production setups typically start at $300-600 monthly. Medium deployments range $1000-3000 monthly. Large implementations can be $5000+ monthly. Costs scale with usage. We help design cost-effective architectures, right-size resources, and implement auto-scaling to optimize costs. Managed services cost more upfront but reduce operational burden significantly.

No prior Kubernetes expertise is required. We work with teams at all experience levels and adjust our approach accordingly. Familiarity with Docker containers, basic Linux, and YAML configuration is helpful but not mandatory. We provide comprehensive training during implementation so your team becomes comfortable with Kubernetes operations. Our goal is not just to implement Kubernetes but to ensure your team can manage and maintain it confidently. We provide documentation, runbooks, and hands-on training tailored to your team's current knowledge level.

Kubernetes has inherent complexity requiring ongoing maintenance including cluster upgrades, security patching, monitoring resource utilization, troubleshooting pod and node issues, managing storage and networking, and keeping up with ecosystem changes. Managed Kubernetes services significantly reduce this burden by handling control plane management and upgrades. With proper training, documentation, and monitoring in place, teams can manage Kubernetes effectively. However, it requires dedicated time and learning. We're transparent about operational requirements and help establish sustainable maintenance procedures. We also provide training to help your team handle day-to-day operations confidently.

Yes, we specialize in application migration to Kubernetes. Our migration process includes assessing application architecture and dependencies, containerizing applications if not already containerized, creating appropriate Kubernetes resources (Deployments, StatefulSets, Services), implementing proper storage solutions for stateful applications, configuring environment-specific settings with ConfigMaps and Secrets, setting up health checks and resource limits, implementing gradual migration strategies to minimize risk, and thorough testing before production deployment. We can migrate applications incrementally, allowing you to learn and adapt while maintaining existing operations.

We implement comprehensive monitoring and logging solutions including Prometheus for metrics collection and alerting, Grafana for visualization and dashboards, ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) or Loki for centralized logging, Kubernetes metrics server for resource monitoring, node exporters and kube-state-metrics for cluster visibility, and custom alerts for critical scenarios. We configure dashboards for cluster health, application performance, and resource utilization. All solutions are customized to your specific requirements. We also train your team on using these tools effectively for troubleshooting and optimization.

After implementation, we offer flexible support options including on-demand consulting for specific issues or questions, regular maintenance support for cluster upgrades and patching, troubleshooting assistance for complex problems, performance optimization reviews, security audits and updates, training for new team members, and documentation updates as your setup evolves. Support can be structured as monthly retainers, project-based engagements, or hourly consulting depending on your needs. Our goal during implementation is to make your team self-sufficient for routine operations while providing expert backup when needed. We'll discuss appropriate support levels based on your team's capabilities and requirements.