Highlighting some challenges that organizations encounter
Kubernetes is a robust container orchestration platform that, in the past years, has become the facto standard in the industry. It has reshaped how modern applications are developed, deployed, and managed. However, the journey to Kubernetes success is paved with potential pitfalls. We would, therefore, like to highlight some of the challenges that organizations encounter when transitioning to Kubernetes and how to navigate around them.
Lack of clear strategy
When first adopting Kubernetes, most organizations have the right coordinates of where they should land, but parts of the journey are either unclear or covered in mist. Transitioning without a clear strategy can lead to confusion and inefficiencies.
During the planning phase, the organization should ensure that the technical solution is aligned with the business objectives, and the transition will also include building blocks for future improvements or projects.
Start small, but think big and have prepared strategies for common obstacles that you may encounter. History taught us that even ships considered to be indestructible can sink when an iceberg unexpectedly blocks their way.
Underestimating the learning curve
Our CTO (Chef Technology Officer) has a motto saying that “the best technology for a project is the one that the team is capable of using.”
Kubernetes has a steep learning curve due to its complex architecture, extensive configuration options, and numerous components. Organizations often rush into implementation without proper training for their teams.
Proper training and awareness regarding the best practices that should be followed will spare you and your team a lot of time. Furthermore, the knowledge you gather before the actual journey may positively impact the architecture and the initial estimations.
Neglecting the application architecture or limitations
Nowadays, the infrastructure should be designed to facilitate all application requirements. With that in mind, in most cases, without considering some architectural changes, you can potentially hinder yourself from taking full advantage of the platform. Investing in a modern and more flexible architecture for your products will maximize the advantages of Kubernetes.
Ignoring potential security threats
Security was considered a “nice to have” feature not long ago. In light of constantly increasing cyber threats, we recommend having security as part of the design. Failing to configure proper network policies, identity and access management, and container security can open the door for attackers. Implementing security practices from the outset ensures a strong foundation.
Furthermore, every transition might expose new threats, and the application may be more susceptible to attacks until the transition is complete.
Oversights in resource management
Kubernetes offers powerful resource management, but misallocating resources can lead to inefficiencies or outages. Having been properly configured, its features can facilitate better performance with lower costs. But, applied without a rigorous methodology, it can become dangerous and exceed the infrastructure budget overnight.
Kubernetes’ benefits are undeniable: improved scalability, streamlined CI/CD, enhanced resource utilization, high availability, and cross-environment portability. Yet, the journey to harness these advantages is not without challenges. By acknowledging and proactively addressing these challenges, organizations can pave the way for successful Kubernetes adoption, ensuring they reap the rewards of a modern, efficient, and agile software deployment ecosystem.
By Alex Coman – Software Architect, and Gabriel Paiu – Infrastructure Architect
If you are interested in infrastructure and cloud, then you may also want to read:
Attend the webinar on Demystifying Cost-Savings – the Art of Finetuning Cloud Infrastructure Costs. We look forward to seeing you on 7 September 2023.
The TOP 5 mistakes organizations make when switching to the cloud by Dragos Fedorovici.
STAY TUNED
Subscribe to our newsletter today and get regular updates on customer cases, blog posts, best practices and events.