More and more organizations want to use Kubernetes based on the haven-standard. However, not every organization has the expertise to properly deploy, manage, and maintain applications on Kubernetes. Setting up a Haven-compliant Kubernetes platform requires specialized knowledge, continuous monitoring, and demonstrable compliance.
Do you want to stay in control yourself, or prefer to have the platform fully managed? At Shock Media, you can choose between Managed Kubernetes and our Managed App Platform. We’re happy to help you determine which solution best fits your needs.
What is a haven-cluster?
A haven-cluster is a standardized IT infrastructure in which applications run according to the Common Ground guidelines. The goal of a haven-cluster is to enable applications to run on a uniform, interchangeable, and vendor-independent platform based on Kubernetes.
Applications can be moved between different environments or hosting providers without needing to be reconfigured, ensuring flexibility and portability.
Which tools do you need to deploy applications in a haven-cluster?
To effectively deploy applications on a Haven cluster, Kubernetes alone is not enough. Organizations often work with haven+, an additional framework and set of tools specifically developed for Haven-compliant applications.
- Platform management:
Kubernetes itself, including tools like kubectl, Helm, and Kustomize for managing deployments - CI/CD pipelines:
Tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or ArgoCD to automate build, testing, and deployment processes - Monitoring and observability:
Prometheus and Grafana for metrics and dashboards, including alerting for incidents - Logging and tracing:
The ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) or Loki for centralized logging and troubleshooting - Security and compliance:
Tools for vulnerability scanning and policy enforcement, such as Open Policy Agent (OPA), Trivy, and Falco - Configuration management:
Tools like HashiCorp Vault or Kubernetes Secrets for securely storing passwords and API keys
By combining these tools with haven+, you can:
- Deploy applications securely and consistently
- Automatically apply updates and patches
- Run self-healing and scalable applications
- Easily demonstrate compliance and audit readiness
A haven-cluster is only effective when it is properly configured and managed this requires specialized expertise.
What knowledge is required to maintain it?
Maintaining a haven-cluster requires strong technical knowledge and experience. Without this expertise, you risk suboptimal application performance or failing to meet compliance requirements.
You need to consider:
- Kubernetes cluster management
- Deployment management and scaling
- Troubleshooting and performance optimization
- Security and compliance monitoring
- Release management
- Backups and disaster recovery
In addition, you will deal with integrations involving other systems and vendors. Finally, it’s important to ensure that this knowledge is properly embedded within your organization to maintain continuity and long-term reliability.
Our solution: Managed App Platform
Organizations that do not yet have in-depth Kubernetes expertise can make use of our Managed App Platform. This platform adds an additional layer on top of Kubernetes, allowing much of the operational management to be outsourced:
- Shock Media manages the cluster. We take care of 24/7 updates, security patches, monitoring, and backups. The environment complies with the requirements of the haven-standard.
- Teams can fully focus on their applications, while Shock Media handles the infrastructure and the deployment of applications on the Kubernetes-cluster.
- Through the Managed App Platform setup, we also take care of all patches, maintenance, support, and 24/7 application monitoring. Developers deliver the code we take care of the rest.
- This allows organizations to benefit from a Haven cluster without needing to have all the technical expertise in-house.
Self-managed or Managed App Platform?
At Shock Media, we support organizations with both Managed Kubernetes and the Managed App Platform. The right choice strongly depends on the level of expertise within your organization.
Managed Kubernetes:
We provide all the necessary components so you can work with your own Kubernetes-platform. We manage the full Kubernetes-cluster, perform updates, apply security patches, and monitor the environment. You use the required tooling around the cluster and maintain focus on deploying applications yourself.
Managed App Platform:
Suitable for organizations that do not fully have Kubernetes expertise in-house, or prefer to fully outsource it and focus on applications rather than infrastructure. You benefit from Kubernetes without dealing with its complexity. Our specialists ensure your applications run securely, scalably, and stably.
What can Shock Media do for you?
With more than 25 years of experience in hosting and IT infrastructure, we can guide you through every step from advice to implementation.
Interested in a Haven-compliant solution or want to learn more about Managed Kubernetes or the Managed App Platform? Get in touch with us we’re happy to help.
