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Container and VM platforms for your IT modernisation
Continue running virtual machines &
containerise applications directly?
A new virtualisation platform can be a first step – a modern container and VM platform ensures your IT is future-proof. ConSol plans, implements and operates the right platform – using SUSE or Red Hat, on-premises, at the edge or in your preferred cloud. You can rely on our extensive project experience across all relevant technology ecosystems – we provide expert support from the initial decision right through to secure operation.
Replacing VMware: One starting point – two possible approaches
Are you wondering how you can future-proof your current virtualisation landscape? A VMware alternative does not necessarily mean simply replicating your existing environment using a different technology. A platform switch offers the opportunity to reconfigure existing virtual machines whilst paving the way for containers, automated deployments and cloud-native applications. ConSol helps you find the right modernisation path – with an open approach to technology, a practical focus and an eye on your long-term goals.
Extensive platform expertise: from SUSE and Red Hat to on-premises and cloud solutions
ConSol has practical project experience in both technology ecosystems and implements container and VM platforms in data centres, at the edge, and in private or public clouds such as IONOS and AWS – including in hybrid architectures.
Our services start at the operating system level. We combine architecture, Kubernetes, virtualisation, containerisation, automation and operations, and, if required, support you throughout the entire platform lifecycle – from analysis and migration through to monitoring, support and ongoing development.
How we support you – from strategy to stable operations
We will work with you to determine which platform and modernisation approach are right for you. In doing so, we draw on our extensive experience with SUSE Rancher Prime and SUSE Virtualisation, Red Hat OpenShift and OpenShift Virtualisation. If the platform migration is also intended to facilitate the transition to a cloud-native application landscape, our expertise in containerisation highlights the potential and prerequisites that need to be taken into account. Building on this, we provide you with structured support from the analysis phase right through to ongoing operations.
Your platform strategy starts here. Let’s talk about it!
Let's talk!
Marc Mühlhoff
What you need to know about Kubernetes virtualisation, VMs and containers
What is Kubernetes-based virtualisation?
Kubernetes-based virtualisation extends Kubernetes so that, in addition to containers, traditional virtual machines can also be run. This utilises established Linux virtualisation technologies such as KVM and QEMU. Solutions such as KubeVirt add a management and orchestration layer on top of this, based on Kubernetes’ cloud-native standard mechanisms. This allows VMs and containers to be deployed, managed and automated on a shared platform. Networking, storage and other resources are managed centrally via Kubernetes structures, which simplifies the operation of heterogeneous workloads.
Can virtual machines and containers be run on a shared platform?
Yes. With Kubernetes, containers can be run natively via container runtimes, and virtual machines can also be run via a virtualisation layer such as KubeVirt, which is based on KVM and QEMU. This allows VMs and containers to be orchestrated and managed in parallel on the same platform. This facilitates a phased modernisation process: existing applications can continue to run as VMs initially and be migrated to containers in a targeted manner at a later stage.
What Kubernetes-based alternatives to VMware are there?
The technological foundation is provided by the open-source projects Kubernetes and KubeVirt, as well as the Linux virtualisation technologies KVM and QEMU. Kubernetes handles orchestration, scheduling, networking and storage, whilst KubeVirt enables the management of virtual machines within Kubernetes. Various platforms are built on this: Harvester is the open-source project behind SUSE Virtualisation. OKD, with OKD Virtualisation, forms the community ecosystem for Red Hat OpenShift and its virtualisation capabilities. SUSE Virtualisation and Red Hat OpenShift Virtualisation are the main enterprise products available with vendor support. Both enable the joint operation of virtual machines and containers, but differ in terms of architecture, integration and operating model. Which solution is best suited to your requirements should therefore be assessed on the basis of your existing infrastructure and long-term platform strategy.
When should a virtual machine be migrated, and when is it better to containerise an application?
VM migration is a sensible option when legacy applications need to be retained or when dependencies on the host operating system make containerisation technically impossible. Containerisation, on the other hand, is recommended when the focus is on modular architecture, automatic scaling and rapid deployments. A hybrid approach often offers the best balance between modernisation and optimising the cost-benefit ratio.
What tasks does ConSol handle at operating system level?
ConSol supports the entire platform lifecycle: from analysis and architecture through to platform deployment, migration and containerisation, right through to automation, monitoring, updates and support. Services can be agreed on a modular or comprehensive basis – for on-premises, edge, cloud and hybrid environments, and with defined SLAs of up to 24/7.