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2024-09-05Hünkar Döner

What is the Difference Between Kubernetes Consultancy and EKS Management?

KubernetesEKSConsultancyComparison
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What is the Difference Between Kubernetes Consultancy and EKS Management?

Many business executives and technical leads ask: "If we are using AWS EKS, meaning AWS manages Kubernetes, why do we need to get Kubernetes Consultancy additionally?"

This question stems from a misunderstanding of the concept of "Managed Service". The responsibility of AWS EKS and the responsibility of a consultant are completely different and complementary.

What Does AWS EKS Manage?

Amazon EKS manages the "Control Plane" (Brain) of Kubernetes.

  • Ensures the API server stays up.
  • Backs up the database (etcd).
  • Facilitates version updates (e.g., v1.29 -> v1.30).
  • Provides new servers in case of hardware failure.

However, EKS does not interfere with how you use that cluster.

What Does Kubernetes Consultancy Cover?

A consultancy service deals with the business logic and strategy built on top of the infrastructure provided by EKS. EKS gives you a blank canvas; the consultant teaches you how to paint on that canvas.

1. Architectural Design and Configuration

EKS gives you a cluster but doesn't tell you how to split your VPC network or configure Subnets. The consultant designs a secure and scalable architecture compliant with Best Practices.

2. Application Modernization

How will you split your existing monolithic application into containers (Docker)? How will microservices talk to each other? Consultancy covers not just the infrastructure but also the transformation of the application.

3. Cost Optimization

If you don't set up a "Spot Instance" strategy while using EKS, your bills can balloon. Consultants enable you to save 50-70% by setting up tools like Karpenter.

4. Security (DevSecOps)

EKS is secure, but the security of the application you build on it is your responsibility. Establishing processes like Pod Security Standards, Network Policies, and Image Scanning requires expertise.

5. Process Automation (CI/CD)

Consultants set up the ArgoCD or Jenkins pipelines required for code to go from the developer's computer to the live environment (Production).

Conclusion: Competition or Collaboration?

AWS EKS and Kubernetes Consultancy are not rivals, but a perfect duo.

  • EKS guarantees the car engine runs.
  • Consultancy is the pilot that ensures you drive that car to the destination fastest, safest, and with the least fuel.

If you want not just infrastructure, but a working system that produces value, you need both.