Application containerisation

Kubernetes for businesses and running applications in Docker

Containerisation, migration and operation of applications in Docker, Docker Compose or Kubernetes. I handle the application image, networking, persistent data, registries, updates, monitoring and backups as a single operational whole.

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Container cluster operationClusterKubernetes

Docker and Docker Compose

Reproducible images, multi-stage builds, separate configuration, internal networks and controlled operation of small and medium-sized application stacks.

Kubernetes

Workload deployment, services, ingresses, persistent volumes, namespaces, permissions, limits and rolling updates according to the required availability.

Operational surroundings

Registries, TLS, logging, metrics, alerts, data backups and security of the host servers.

Replaced

What the cluster keeps

Declared state reconciles to reality

A failed instance is replaced

Updates proceed gradually

Kubernetes is not only images. The control plane holds the declared state: when an instance fails it is replaced, updates are rolled out gradually, and the operating environment - registries, secrets, data, monitoring - is part of the design.

A container packages the application. It does not automatically run it.

Stability also depends on data, the network, secrets, registry availability, resource limits and the update procedure. I choose the platform according to the needs of the application and the team; a small operation does not need Kubernetes just because it is available.

When containerisation makes sense

The benefits are a consistent, repeatable environment, simpler deployment of dependencies and clearer separation of services. It will not, however, fix a poorly designed application or a lack of operational responsibility.

The application behaves differently on a developer’s machine and on the server
Deployment requires manually installing many dependencies
Several services and their configuration need to be separated
The current cluster has no monitoring, limits or recovery plan

When should you use Docker Compose and when Kubernetes?

In practice

Docker standardises how an application and its dependencies are packaged, so the same image can be tested and run in different environments. Docker Compose is usually suitable for a single application or a small number of services on one or a few managed servers; the configuration stays readable and the operational overhead is low. Kubernetes handles scheduling containers across a cluster, automatic replacement of instances, controlled updates, network policies and work with a larger number of teams or services. However, it brings additional components, knowledge requirements and costs. In both cases, persistent data, secrets, registries, backups, monitoring, resource limits and a safe deployment process have to be addressed separately. A container alone does not guarantee availability or security.

What to consider when deciding

The choice should be driven by requirements for scaling, availability and the team, not by how popular a technology is. For a stable business application on a single server, Compose is usually simpler to manage and restore. Kubernetes makes sense when you need multiple nodes, frequent releases, separate teams or a standardised platform for many services. Before migrating, the state of the application, data handling, network dependencies and operational skills are assessed. Often the safest approach is to build a good image and pipeline first and only then choose an orchestrator.

Areas of container operations

The scope can range from preparing a single container image to taking over an existing cluster. For a migration, I first verify the data, network dependencies and downtime requirements.

Dockerfiles and image optimisation
Docker Compose and application networks
Kubernetes workloads, ingress and namespaces
Registries, secrets and access rights
Persistent data and its backup
Monitoring, updates and incident handling

Application containerisation - what to prepare for the initial diagnosis

Prepare the application repositories, the current build and deployment method, and a list of services, ports, domains, persistent data and external dependencies.
Availability requirements, expected load, a test environment and responsibility for databases are important.
For an existing cluster, the platform version, an overview of nodes, namespaces, ingresses, storage classes and the backup method will help.
Before choosing an orchestrator, you need to know who will update, monitor and restore it in the long term.

The exact scope and price can only be set based on the environment, the available information and the impact of a potential outage. The full process from first contact to handover is described on the How I work page.

A container environment that can be updated and restored.

The handover includes a versioned service definition, a description of the configuration, how sensitive data is handled and operational procedures. For critical applications, the design also includes verification of availability, capacity limits and the recovery of persistent data.

Reproducible images and declarative configuration
Separated networks, accounts and sensitive data
Limits, logging and monitoring in place
A documented update, data backup and recovery process

Indicative prices from the price list

DevOps and CI/CD implementation: from CZK 1,200/houror package from CZK 25,000
Managed VPS or server: from CZK 590/month

Full price list

Let’s talk

Frequently asked questions - Docker and Kubernetes

What does Kubernetes management for businesses include?

Kubernetes management for businesses can include cluster design, workload deployment, ingress, network policies, persistent storage, permissions, updates, monitoring and backups. The scope must match the availability of your applications and the team’s ability to run the platform in the long term.

Do we need Kubernetes for our applications?

Not always. For a smaller number of services, Docker Compose can be simpler and more reliable. Kubernetes makes sense when you need orchestration, team separation, scaling or higher availability, provided the business has the capacity to run the platform.

Can you take over an existing Docker or Kubernetes environment?

Yes. First I map the images, registries, configuration, networks, persistent data, secrets, access and available backups. Only then do I propose updates or architectural changes.

How is data from containers backed up?

It is the persistent data and databases that are backed up, not just the running container. The procedure depends on the storage type and application consistency, and it must include a restore that has been tested in practice.

Not sure where to start? Describe the situation.

A few sentences about what is not working or what you need are enough. I will reply with a suggested first step and an estimate of the scope.