IBM Kubernetes Services

Containerized applications can run in a secure and flexible cloud environment using IBM Kubernetes Service. It allows teams to focus on building and improving applications while the platform handles cluster operations in the background.

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Production Ready Container Orchestration for Modern Applications

As an IBM Gold Partner, Star Systems streamlines the deployment and scaling of your containerized workloads using the IBM Cloud Kubernetes Service. We provide a fully managed, enterprise-grade environment that features automated scaling, self-healing clusters, and robust built-in security. By leveraging our expertise, your business can accelerate cloud-native innovation while we handle the operational complexity of managing and securing your Kubernetes infrastructure.

 

Our IBM Kubernetes Services

Provide end-to-end IBM Kubernetes Service implementation, from cluster design and deployment to custom workload configuration, application hosting, and automated backup strategies. Our expertise ensures your containerized applications run reliably at scale.

 

Kubernetes Cluster Deployment

Production-ready Kubernetes clusters are structured for stability and scalability. The setup supports high availability and long-term workload performance.

  • Production-grade cluster architecture with multi-zone high availability
  • Worker node configuration (VM or bare metal) based on workload needs
  • Cluster version management and upgrade planning
  • Network plugin selection (Calico for network policies)
  • Container runtime configuration (containerd)
  • Cluster auto-scaling setup for dynamic capacity

Custom Workload Configuration

Application workloads are configured to run efficiently inside Kubernetes clusters. Proper resource planning ensures balanced performance and reliability.

  • Kubernetes manifest creation (Deployments, StatefulSets, DaemonSets)
  • Helm chart development for complex application stacks
  • ConfigMap and Secret management for application configuration
  • Resource requests and limits optimization
  • Pod affinity and anti-affinity rules for placement control
  • Horizontal Pod Autoscaler (HPA) for automatic scaling

Application Hosting

Containerized applications are hosted with controlled traffic routing and storage support. The environment supports secure communication across microservices.

  • Containerized application deployment and lifecycle management
  • Ingress controller setup (NGINX, Istio) for traffic routing
  • Service mesh implementation for microservices communication
  • Persistent volume provisioning for stateful applications
  • Multi-tenant namespace architecture
  • CI/CD pipeline integration with Jenkins, GitLab, or Tekton

Backup with Velero

Cluster backups are configured to protect applications and critical data. Disaster recovery planning ensures quick restoration during failures.

  • Velero installation and configuration for cluster backup
  • Automated backup schedules for namespaces and resources
  • Disaster recovery procedures and restore testing
  • Backup storage configuration (IBM Cloud Object Storage)
  • Application-consistent backups with pre/post hooks
  • Cross-cluster migration capabilities

Network Configuration

Cluster networking is structured for secure pod-level communication. Traffic control policies help protect workloads and optimize performance.

  • Calico network policy implementation for pod-level security
  • Network segmentation between namespaces
  • Load balancer service configuration for external access
  • NodePort and ClusterIP service setup
  • Network performance optimization
  • Service mesh integration (Istio, Linkerd) for advanced networking

Kubernetes Security and Compliance

Security controls are implemented to protect clusters and application workloads. Compliance practices are aligned with enterprise governance standards.

  • Role based access control configuration
  • Image vulnerability scanning
  • Pod security standards implementation
  • Secret encryption management
  • Audit logging configuration
  • Compliance monitoring and reporting

Key Features of IBM Kubernetes Services

Fully Managed Control Plane

IBM manages the master nodes, etcd, and critical control plane components. maintenance are handled as cluster operations.

Integrated Security

Advanced security scanning, RBAC configuration, and network policy controls are included.

Multi Zone Resilience

Worker nodes are distributed across multiple availability zones for fault tolerance.

Auto Scaling Capabilities

Cluster and pod auto-scaling adjusts resources automatically based on usage metrics.

Use Cases of IBM Kubernetes Services

Microservices Framework

Deploy distributed microservices with independent scaling, service discovery, load balancing, and automated rollouts for agile application development.

CI/CD & DevOps Platforms

Host CI/CD tools like Jenkins, GitLab, and Argo CD on Kubernetes with automated testing pipelines and containerized build environments.

Batch Processing

Run batch jobs, ETL processes, and data processing workloads using Kubernetes Jobs and CronJobs with Velero backup for data protection.



From Planning to Production

Cluster Planning

Define cluster requirements including node types, network policies, storage needs, and high-availability strategy.

1
2

Cluster Deployment

Provision Kubernetes cluster with multi-zone worker pools, configure networking, and set up storage classes.

Workload Configuration

Create Kubernetes manifests, configure Helm charts, set up namespaces, and define resource quotas.

3
4

Application Deployment

Deploy containerized applications, configure ingress routes, implement network policies, and set up monitoring.

Backup Implementation

Install Velero, configure backup schedules, test disaster recovery procedures, and document restore processes.

5
6

Training

Optimize resource utilization, implement auto-scaling, provide operational training, and establish support procedures.

Technology Ecosystem

Orchestration
Kubernetes 1.28+, IBM Kubernetes Service (IKS), Helm 3
Networking
Calico, Ingress NGINX, Istio Service Mesh, MetalLB
Storage
IBM Cloud Block Storage CSI, Persistent Volumes, StatefulSets
Backup & DR
Velero, Restic, IBM Cloud Object Storage
Monitoring
Prometheus, Grafana, IBM Cloud Monitoring (Sysdig)
CI / CD
Tekton, Jenkins, GitLab CI, Argo CD
IBM KUBERNETES SERVICES

Ready to Move Your Applications with Kubernetes?

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you migrate our existing applications to Kubernetes?

Yes, existing applications can be assessed and containerized based on compatibility. A structured migration approach ensures minimal disruption and proper workload optimization.

Security controls such as RBAC, network policies, vulnerability scanning, and secure secret management are implemented. This ensures controlled access and protection for sensitive workloads.

Clusters can be configured across multiple availability zones for fault tolerance. This setup improves uptime and reduces risk of service interruptions.

Yes, cluster auto-scaling and Horizontal Pod Autoscaling can be configured. This allows applications to handle traffic growth without manual intervention.

Post deployment support includes monitoring, optimization, upgrades, and operational guidance. Continuous assistance helps maintain performance and long-term stability.

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