Kubernetes is an open-source container-orchestration tool that is used for managing clusters of containerised applications. When properly implemented and with the right tools applied, Kubernetes is a true enabler of digital transformation. Research from F5 Networks and NGINX reveals a 300% increase in organisations that use containers in production.
The benefits of Kubernetes include being able to enhance productivity, consistency, and increase time to market. Dev teams can make their workflows smoother, introduce automation, and create higher levels of efficiency.
But as apps grow in popularity, so do their performance, functionality, and resource requirements – not to mention the risks. In fact, 41% of organisations believe complexity and cultural changes relating to development are among their biggest challenges. Even the most forward-leaning Kubernetes adopters face challenges of this nature.
This F5 Networks and NGINX report outlines the solutions and strategies businesses need to simplify and secure their modern applications and containerised environments. But first, it depends on the Kubernetes maturity level.
Hitting Kubernetes roadblocks with complexity, security and scalability
If businesses have started their Kubernetes journey, then they have established a Kubernetes environment and apps are probably being rearchitected for microservices. It may be likely that only one or two non-critical apps are on Kubernetes. However, as the number of applications in production begin to grow, so do demands and that leads to complexity. It can, in part, be due to the increased traffic and new levels of functionality being needed.
Not to mention the added problem of security, where the developers need to be able to appropriately manage the authentication and authorisation of users.
What’s the solution?
Instead of creating code or using tools for individual aspects of the application, a high-quality Ingress controller and a web application firewall (WAF) should be introduced. An Ingress controller acts as a load balancer for Kubernetes environments because it safely controls how external users can access services within a Kubernetes cluster. It helps teams have better visibility and control over Kubernetes traffic and improve its resilience.
Find out more about NGINX’s Ingress Controller which offers best-in-class traffic management.
Kubernetes need end-to-end security
Organisations further along their journey will have microservices-based production applications running within a fully-fledged Kubernetes environment, with a smooth CI/CD pipeline and distributed applications. Yet with this more advanced architecture there are still complexity issues that can obstruct success, as Dev teams need to be able to manage multiple API dependencies. They need to implement a zero-trust production environment.
Introducing a service mesh will help. A service mesh is a layer of infrastructure that allows developers to manage communication between microservices applications and helps with monitoring and managing network traffic. The solution of a service mesh helps organisations take better control of their Kubernetes environment, for smoother functionality and better administration policies.
Want to get started with a developer-friendly mesh solution? Discover the simplicity of NGINX’s Service Mesh.
For more info:
The Complete Guide to Kubernetes Security
