What is our primary use case?
Platform9 Managed Kubernetes is a SaaS-managed solution where Kubernetes is managed by the provider, and we use it extensively. It is a solution that avoids significant headaches because self-managing our own Kubernetes is a major headache and overhead. By using a platform-managed Kubernetes or managed Kubernetes service, we can eliminate this burden.
Most day-to-day, I use high integrations from Platform9 Managed Kubernetes because our company has many integrations. We had to integrate with many other tools as well, which is why we use this integration capability. Additionally, we use security features including RBAC, monitoring and logging, compliance and certification. Fully managed Kubernetes is a significant feature. We use all those features for security as well.
What is most valuable?
The best features of Platform9 Managed Kubernetes are automatic cluster management, high availability, scalability, cost management, comprehensive security features, and high integrations. Many integrations are possible here. RBAC, which is role-based access control, is also available. Other valuable features include customizable networking, monitoring and logging, and compliance and certification.
Most day-to-day, I use high integrations from Platform9 Managed Kubernetes because our company has many integrations. We had to integrate with many other tools as well, which is why we use this integration capability. Additionally, we use security features including RBAC, monitoring and logging, compliance and certification. Fully managed Kubernetes is a significant feature. We use all those features for security as well.
What needs improvement?
With Platform9 Managed Kubernetes, cluster upgrades sometimes fail. Private registry support is available, but integrations with private registry can be somewhat harder. The support part can be better. Platform9 support is not up to par at the moment.
Because support is not good, that is a significant reason for improvement. Additional integrations, such as serverless functionality, are not possible at this time, but may be possible in the future. The documentation is somewhat unclear sometimes. If Platform9 improves on these parts, I would rate it between eight and nine instead of my current rating of six.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been familiar with Platform9 Managed Kubernetes for around one year.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Earlier, we were using self-managed Kubernetes using kOps. We had to manage everything from scratch, including certificates, cluster bindings, service roles, clusters, nodes, master nodes, and normal nodes. Now, with Platform9 Managed Kubernetes, Platform9 manages these aspects for us instead. It is a fully managed tool that has helped us save approximately forty percent of our time compared to self-hosted solutions.
What other advice do I have?
If you are considering Platform9 Managed Kubernetes, have your infrastructure team be very strong. Even though you have a fully managed Kubernetes service, your platform team and DevOps team should be very strong. That is one important piece of advice. Additionally, ensure you understand the infrastructure costing and all related expenses. We cannot completely rely on fully managed services. The DevOps team will have to regularly audit, change, and modify things according to organizational needs. I would rate this product a six out of ten.