Kubernetes in 2023: An Expert Perspective

As we move into the new year, it’s always interesting to look ahead and consider what the future might hold. What can we expect in 2023 in the rapidly evolving field of cloud technology, specifically in Kubernetes? For some insight, TFiR’s Swapnil Bhartiya sat down with Julian Fischer, CEO, and founder of anynines, to discuss his thoughts and predictions for the year that has just begun.

Kubernetes Data Management and Infrastructure Independence

According to Fischer, one primary topic for 2023 will be managing and running data in Kubernetes environments. Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration system that allows developers to simultaneously deploy and manage containerized applications. As more and more companies adopt Kubernetes, the question of how to manage data effectively within these environments will become increasingly important.

“I believe that in 2023, the questions revolving around how to run and manage data in Kubernetes” Fischer said. “Maintaining a healthy dependence or independence from infrastructure providers will also be one of the focus topics.”

Ensuring a level of independence from infrastructure providers can be challenging, especially as companies look to adopt multi-cloud strategies and avoid vendor lock-in. But Fischer believes this will be an essential consideration for companies as they seek to optimize their cloud infrastructure and reduce costs.

Operational Efficiencies in Kubernetes Clusters

Another primary issue for 2023 will be operational efficiency in Kubernetes clusters. Running a large number of Kubernetes clusters can be a significant challenge regarding operational efficiency. As more companies adopt Kubernetes, managing these environments will become increasingly important.

“I think that the question of operational efficiencies in Kubernetes, when running a lot of Kubernetes clusters, will remain a major challenge and will also be one of the major topics in the Kubernetes ecosystem,” Fischer said.

To address this challenge, companies must implement best practices for monitoring and managing their Kubernetes environments. This may include implementing tools and processes for automating tasks, optimizing resource allocation, and proactively identifying and addressing potential issues.

Application Security

Ensuring the security of applications and code deployed in Kubernetes environments will be another primary focus for 2023. As companies adopt Kubernetes and other cloud-based technologies, the risk of security breaches and vulnerabilities will increase. Companies must implement robust security measures and processes to mitigate this risk.

“I believe that application security will be a major topic in 2023, a question on how application and any code that’s deployed in Kubernetes can be scanned for security vulnerabilities automatically, as part of the CI/CD pipeline,” Fischer said.

Implementing automated scanning as part of the continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline can be a powerful way to ensure the security of applications and code. By automatically identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities, companies can reduce the risk of security breaches and ensure the integrity of their systems.

Declarative Systems for Application Management

Another trend Fischer predicts we will see in 2023 is the emergence of declarative systems for comprehensive application management. This will involve not just the Kubernetes cluster but also the data layer and the application layer.

“I’d be curious to see more people use [declarative systems] to make more comprehensive declarative systems, or application management systems possible,” Fischer said.

Declarative systems involve specifying what you want to achieve clearly and concisely rather than providing specific instructions on how to achieve it. This can be particularly useful when managing complex systems with multiple layers and components. By using a declarative approach, companies can more easily specify and manage their systems’ desired state rather than micromanage each component.

Challenges in Building Application Development Platforms

While adopting Kubernetes and other cloud technologies has brought many benefits; it has also introduced new challenges for companies looking to build comprehensive application development platforms. Fischer notes that building these platforms is still a significant challenge and one that anynines plans to help its customers navigate in 2023.

“Building application development platforms is incredibly hard,” Fischer said. “So we’ve been working on several topics last year, and there will be a shift of focus in 2023.”

Some of the challenges that companies may face when building application development platforms include marketplace browsing, graphical user interfaces, and declarative resource management. Companies can access expertise and resources by working with a partner like anynines to help them navigate these challenges and build platforms that meet their needs.

Conclusion

In summary, 2023 is shaping to be an exciting year for Kubernetes. Companies will need to prioritize data management and independence from infrastructure providers, maintain operational efficiency in multiple Kubernetes clusters, focus on application security, and consider using declarative systems for comprehensive application management. While building application development platforms that cater to these needs will still be challenging, companies can overcome these obstacles by working with experts like anynines and implementing industry-proven best practices.

Watch the full interview on TFiR’s YouTube channel.