Why Platform.sh and Upsun outshine Managed Kubernetes solutions

In today’s whirlwind world of cloud computing, choosing the right platform for your development and deployment needs is like picking the perfect tool from a well-stocked toolbox. Kubernetes has certainly made a splash, becoming the go-to choice for container orchestration. But let’s be honest, managing Kubernetes can feel like taming a wild beast. Enter Platform.sh and its latest gem, Upsun. These two offer a fresh, user-friendly alternative to managed Kubernetes solutions. Let’s dive into why Platform.sh and Upsun are the rockstars your team needs, and how they stack up against heavyweights like Amazon EKS, Google GKE, Azure AKS, SuSE Rancher, and RedHat OpenShift.

Simplified management and operations

Platform.sh is like having a personal assistant for your infrastructure. It’s a fully managed Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) that takes care of the nitty-gritty, so you can focus on what you do best: building and deploying killer apps. No more sleepless nights worrying about hardware, networking, or maintenance.

Contrast this with Managed Kubernetes solutions like Amazon EKS, Google GKE, Azure AKS, SuSE Rancher, and RedHat OpenShift. While they handle some infrastructure management, you’re still left juggling setup, CI/CD pipelines, storage management, and security configurations. It’s like being handed a Swiss Army knife when all you needed was a simple screwdriver.

Upsun takes fully managed application management even further with explicit resource allocation for each component, allowing independent scaling and efficient resource usage. This is a game-changer for projects involving decoupled and composable architectures. More on this trend? Check out Gartner’s take on composable applications.

Enhanced security and compliance

In today’s digital battleground, security is non-negotiable. Both Platform.sh and Upsun come armed with built-in security features and compliance with standards like SOC 2, PCI DSS Level 1, and HIPAA. Automated TLS certificates, DDoS protection, multifactor authentication, and a read-only file system are just the tip of the iceberg.

Managed Kubernetes solutions offer robust security as well, but require you to roll up your sleeves. Configuring network policies, managing secrets, and ensuring secure access fall squarely on your shoulders. It’s a lot of heavy lifting, especially if you don’t have a dedicated DevOps team. For a deeper dive in this topic, see how the Cloud Native Computing Foundation addresses these complexities.

Resource efficiency and sustainability

Platform.sh and Upsun are designed with your wallet and the planet in mind. Upsun’s usage-based pricing means you only pay for what you use — no more, no less. Plus, you get a 3% discount for deploying to low-carbon data centers to encourage greener hosting. Read more about sustainable cloud computing in this insightful article by TechRepublic.

On the flip side, Managed Kubernetes solutions like Amazon EKS, Google GKE, and Azure AKS can lead to higher costs. The need for additional tools, resources, and continuous maintenance can quickly inflate your budget.

Developer experience and flexibility

Platform.sh supports a wide array of development stacks — PHP, Node.js, Python, you name it. Its Git-driven architecture ensures every infrastructure change is versioned and auditable. It’s like having a safety net that lets you swing higher.

Upsun ups the ante with features like unlimited preview environments, detailed application performance management, and flexible resource allocation. This kind of flexibility is ideal for teams handling dynamic, complex applications.

Managed Kubernetes solutions offer flexibility but come with a steep learning curve. Setting up CI/CD pipelines, managing secrets, and configuring network policies are tasks that require significant expertise. If you’re curious about the learning curve, Red Hat’s guide to Kubernetes is a good place to start.

When Managed Kubernetes solutions make sense

Let’s keep it real, there are times when Managed Kubernetes solutions are the right call. For example, if your organization has highly specialized infrastructure needs or requires extensive customization, platforms like SuSE Rancher and RedHat OpenShift might be your best bet. These platforms offer comprehensive tools for enterprise-grade deployments, including advanced monitoring, logging, and security features, which can be hugely useful for certain applications.

Companies with a strong DevOps culture and the expertise to manage Kubernetes clusters may also find Managed Kubernetes solutions more aligned with their operational models. The ability to integrate deeply with existing workflows and third-party tools can be a significant advantage.

Notable names in the Managed Kubernetes market

Here’s a quick rundown of some big players:

• Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS): great for running Kubernetes on AWS, but requires significant setup and integration with other AWS services. Managing EKS can be complex and time-consuming.
• Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE): robust and scalable, but users still need to handle networking, security, and other infrastructure components.
• Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS): offers a Managed Kubernetes service on Microsoft Azure, but requires substantial setup and integration with other Azure services.
• SuSE Rancher: simplifies deploying and managing Kubernetes clusters with powerful multi-cluster management capabilities.
• RedHat OpenShift: an enterprise Kubernetes platform with developer and operational tools for managing hybrid cloud and multi-cloud deployments.

An alternative to Managed Kubernetes

Platform.sh and Upsun offer a streamlined, efficient, and secure alternative to Managed Kubernetes solutions. They abstract away the complexities of infrastructure management, provide robust security and compliance features, and promote resource efficiency and sustainability. This allows development teams to focus on what they do best: building and deploying innovative applications.

However, Managed Kubernetes solutions like Amazon EKS, Google GKE, Azure AKS, SuSE Rancher, and RedHat OpenShift have their place — particularly for organizations with specialized infrastructure needs and strong DevOps capabilities. The choice ultimately depends on your specific requirements and resources.

For organizations looking to reduce complexity, improve time to market, and achieve cost efficiency, Platform.sh and Upsun are clear winners. Embrace the future of cloud development with Platform.sh and Upsun, and experience the benefits of a truly developer-focused platform.

For more information, visit Platform.sh and Upsun.