Kubernetes: why yes and why not
Tags: kubernetes, openshift, containers, deployment
Published: 2023-02-02 10:20:25

---
title: Kubernetes: why yes and why not
published: true
description: A blog post about when Kubernetes can help you and when can be a problem
tags: kubernetes, openshift, containers, deployment
cover_image: https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/haayvgfvvtlm8rpx3ghg.jpg
---

For sure you have heard about Kubernetes. Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration system that has taken the world of containerization by storm. This powerful platform has become a go-to choice for organizations of all sizes looking to manage and deploy containerized applications at scale.

## Why yes
One of the main reasons why Kubernetes is so amazing is its ability to automate the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. This means that organizations can focus on developing and deploying new features and functionality, rather than worrying about the underlying infrastructure.

In addition to its automation capabilities, Kubernetes also offers a high degree of flexibility. The platform can be easily customized to meet the unique needs of different organizations, and it can be deployed on a wide range of infrastructure, including on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment.

Another key advantage of Kubernetes is its ability to handle high availability and disaster recovery. The platform supports automatic failover and self-healing, which helps to ensure that applications remain up and running even in the event of a failure. This helps to minimize downtime and ensure that users always have access to the services they need.

Finally, Kubernetes is an open-source project, which means that it is constantly being improved and updated by a large and active community of developers. This ensures that the platform remains cutting-edge and up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends.

## Why not
Despite all the advantages, it's not always the perfect solution for every organization. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the reasons why Kubernetes can be a horrible fit for certain organizations.

One of the main issues with Kubernetes is its steep learning curve. The platform is highly complex and can be difficult to set up, configure, and manage. This can be a significant barrier for organizations that do not have a dedicated team of experts with the necessary skills and experience to work with Kubernetes.

Another issue with Kubernetes is its high resource requirements. The platform requires a lot of memory, CPU, and storage to run, which can be a significant burden for organizations that have limited resources. Furthermore, Kubernetes requires a lot of management and maintenance which can be a real headache for organizations that are struggling to keep up with the day-to-day operations.

Another downside of Kubernetes is its scalability limitations. While the platform is designed to handle large numbers of containerized applications, it can struggle to meet the needs of organizations that are dealing with massive traffic or large-scale deployments. This can lead to increased downtime, slow performance, and other issues that can negatively impact the user experience.

## What alternatives do I have to run my own Kubernetes?
Depending on your application needs, it could be OK to [use systemd to run your containers](https://access.redhat.com/documentation/en-us/red_hat_enterprise_linux_atomic_host/7/html/managing_containers/running_containers_as_systemd_services_with_podman) or deploy a virtual machine as host. Other alternatives are using a Platform as a Service or a Backend as a Service (like [Firebase](https://firebase.google.com/?hl=es)).

If you still feel you need Kubernetes but you cannot manage to create your own Kubernetes cluster, there are some alternatives like:
1. Managed Kubernetes Services: Many cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure offer managed Kubernetes services. These services handle the deployment, scaling, and management of Kubernetes clusters, leaving you to focus on developing and deploying your applications.
2. Kubernetes-as-a-Service: This is a fully managed Kubernetes service offered by a third-party provider. It allows you to easily create and manage Kubernetes clusters on a variety of cloud providers, without having to worry about the underlying infrastructure.
3.Serverless Containers: Serverless container platforms such as AWS Fargate, Azure Container Instances, and Google Cloud Run allow you to run your containerized applications without having to worry about managing the underlying infrastructure.

## Conclusion
In conclusion, while Kubernetes is a powerful platform that has a lot to offer, it's not always the best fit for every organization. The platform is highly complex, requires a lot of resources and maintenance, and has scalability limitations. Organizations that are struggling to meet these requirements may be better off looking for alternative solutions that are better suited to their specific needs.