When does Kubernetes make sense for our company?

Kubernetes is useful when multiple applications or teams need standardized deployments, scaling, high availability and clear platform rules. For smaller setups, Docker Compose, Coolify, LXC or VMs may meet the same requirements with less operational overhead.

Does WZ-IT only operate Kubernetes on Proxmox?

No. We design self-hosted platforms on Proxmox or bare metal as well as Kubernetes on European cloud providers, and we take over existing hyperscaler clusters (EKS, AKS). Infrastructure follows the requirements and responsibility boundaries.

Can you take over existing applications?

Yes. We analyze application, data, dependencies and deployment process, containerize or replatform suitable parts and plan testing, cutover and rollback. Not every component necessarily has to run in Kubernetes.

Does WZ-IT take over existing clusters?

Yes. The engagement starts with an audit and prioritized stabilization. Scope, responsibilities, monitoring, updates, backup and response model are then agreed explicitly.

Is NetBird the Kubernetes network?

No. The cluster network continues to be provided by a CNI and Kubernetes network policies. NetBird complements it with identity- and policy-based private access to the cluster API, admin tools or internal services.

Which Kubernetes distributions does WZ-IT support?

Depending on the target design, we work with upstream Kubernetes and lean or hardened distributions such as k3s, RKE2 or Talos, and we also take over existing hyperscaler clusters (EKS, AKS). The selection is made during architecture design.

Kubernetes consulting, implementation and operations for production platforms

WZ-IT designs, builds and operates Kubernetes platforms for production business software. From Proxmox or European cloud through GitOps and secure access to monitoring, backup and ongoing responsibility.

Configure Kubernetes operations Explore the service modules

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Context

Kubernetes as the orchestration layer of an application platform

Kubernetes can provide the target system for modernized or restructured applications. The architecture covers not only the cluster but also infrastructure, delivery, data, access and ongoing operations.

Understand & decide
Assess workloads, dependencies, team, availability and cost and derive the appropriate platform from them.
Build the foundation
Design distribution, nodes, networking, storage, load balancing and backup for bare metal, Proxmox, European providers or managed Kubernetes.
Move applications
Plan containerization, configuration, secrets, data migration, deployments and rollback as one migration path.
Operate responsibly
Build observability, security, updates, restore and incident processes into the platform from the beginning.

Infrastructure choice

Private infrastructure, European providers and hyperscaler clusters compared

Our primary focus is on controllable platforms on owned or European infrastructure. We integrate existing hyperscaler environments and continue operating them where that is the right technical and commercial choice.

Primary focus
Bare metal & Proxmox
Kubernetes on owned hardware or a virtualized private cloud, with control over compute, storage, networking and data residency. Bare metal · Proxmox · k3s · RKE2 · Talos
- Kubernetes on ProxmoxPrivate cloud & on-prem
European infrastructure
Providers in Europe
Provider and architecture selection based on location, networking, hardware, compliance and operating model, without tying the platform to a proprietary service. Hetzner · OVHcloud · STACKIT · IONOS · Scaleway
Also supported
Hyperscaler clusters (EKS, AKS)
Takeover, modernization and operations for existing hyperscaler clusters as well as hybrid target architectures with explicit shared responsibility. Amazon EKS · Azure AKS
- Managed operationsTakeover & operations
- Application modernizationRefit & migration

Kubernetes services

Where we enter your Kubernetes initiative

WZ-IT works with new platforms as well as existing infrastructure, applications, deployment processes, access paths or running clusters.

Private cloud & on-prem

Kubernetes on Proxmox

A private-cloud foundation for mixed VM and container workloads with control over compute, networking and storage.

View building block Refit & migration

Application modernization

Containerize, replatform and migrate existing business software with control.

View building block GitOps & delivery

Platform engineering

GitOps, CI/CD, templates and secure, repeatable delivery processes.

View building block Public & private services

Network & secure access

Keep public endpoints and private access paths clearly separated.

View building block Takeover & operations

Managed operations

Take over, stabilize and operate clusters with a defined scope.

View building block For professional secrecy holders

Operate Kubernetes in the Section 203 Managed Cloud

If Kubernetes processes client, patient or other professional secrets, WZ-IT plans the application, infrastructure, access, backups and ongoing operations within a purpose-built operating model.

View the Section 203 Managed Cloud

Suitability

When Kubernetes fits technically and organizationally

The decision depends on applications, scaling, availability objectives, delivery processes and the operational expertise available.

Kubernetes is often a good fit when

multiple services, teams or clearly separated environments are operated
high availability, horizontal scaling or standardized deployments are required
a durable application platform should replace individually managed servers
the organization can support GitOps, policies and reproducible infrastructure

A leaner solution is often better when

a manageable application runs reliably on one or two hosts
the team cannot or does not want to carry ongoing Kubernetes operations
Docker Compose, Coolify, LXC or classic VMs satisfy the requirements more simply
complexity would be introduced without solving a specific operational problem

End to end

From the current state to a running system

The platform follows from the needs of the applications, the organization and the desired operating model.

Assessment

Capture current systems, workloads, data, risks and Kubernetes suitability.

Target design

Define distribution, infrastructure, networking, storage and responsibility boundaries.

Build & refit

Build the platform through automation and move applications in a controlled way.

Cutover

Protect testing, data migration, approval, switchover and fallback.

Operate

Organize monitoring, updates, backup, capacity and continuous evolution.

Starting pointOngoing operations

Operational requirements

What must be defined for production operations

In addition to the cluster, applications need defined processes for delivery, access, observability, recovery and technical ownership.

Operational requirements

Delivery
GitOps, CI/CD, separate environments, approvals and reproducible rollbacks.
Network
CNI, network policies, ingress or gateway, DNS, TLS and private access.
Security
OIDC, RBAC, secrets, image validation, policies and traceable changes.
Observability
Metrics, logs, traces, alerting and SLOs for platform and applications.
Backup & restore
Cluster state, persistent data, restore tests and a documented recovery path.
Lifecycle
Updates, CVE assessment, capacity, costs and an agreed operating model.

One accountable system

Infrastructure, application and operations under one responsibility

Build and handover, co-managed or continuously operated platform
Public services via ingress/gateway, private access via NetBird and policies
Applications, data and recovery are included in the operating model

The scope can include infrastructure, application modernization, delivery, networking and ongoing operations. Responsibilities are documented for each layer and operating phase.

Kubernetes in the overall system

Clusters, applications and operating locations are planned as one production platform

Kubernetes can run on Proxmox, bare metal, European cloud or existing managed services. What matters is how workloads, data, networking, delivery and ongoing ownership work together.

Configure Kubernetes operations View hybrid operations

Clusters and workloads

The control plane, nodes, add-ons and applications are separated through explicit ownership.

Data and locations

Cloud networks, Proxmox, local systems and external services connect in a controlled way.

Platform operations

Upgrades, monitoring, backup, restore and incident response are agreed as an ongoing scope.

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers on architecture, delivery, responsibilities and ongoing operations.

Knowledge base

In-depth guides for this building block

Kubernetes knowledge

Kubernetes topics

Kubernetes services with pricing

Reviews & projects

Operations that visibly relieve customers

Customer feedback on monitoring, updates, maintenance, support and stable production systems.

Networking & Provisioning

WZ-IT moved our studio infrastructure from decentralised individual devices to a central platform: every site is securely connected via VPN, new devices are onboarded automatically and an entire site is provisioned from a template, without manual steps on location. What impressed me most is the breadth and depth of their knowledge: Timo and Robin are not a typical IT provider who sets up a server and leaves. The two of them think their way into highly complex infrastructure and software topics, work through every requirement we put in front of them, and build networking, provisioning and operations so that everything fits together in the end. WZ-IT is an excellent partner for complex software, network and architecture projects.

Steve KirchnerManaging Director, nextGYM GmbH

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International

Built in Germany's Ruhr Valley. Running worldwide.

WZ-IT designs, develops and operates infrastructure and software for clients in Germany and internationally. We deliver projects remotely and continue supporting them in ongoing operations after go-live.