Case Study
On-premise Kubernetes cluster setup and applications and supporting services migration
Client
KPCS CZ is a Czech consulting and technology company specializing in IT infrastructure, cloud services, and cyber security. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, KPCS provides top-tier services focused on digital transformation, secure modern workplaces, and cloud adoption. The company serves organizations from both the private and public sectors and offers deep expertise in Microsoft technologies, including Azure, Microsoft 365, and Defender security solutions.
Challenge
KPCS aimed to design and deploy an on-premise Kubernetes cluster for a major state-owned grant organization. This cluster was intended to host a test environment for validating the functionality and readiness of key applications and their supporting services, which had previously operated on virtual servers. The plan also included a collaborative migration of these applications to Kubernetes in partnership with the application vendor. However, the absence of prior experience with running Kubernetes in an on-premise setting presented a significant technical challenge—particularly in terms of architecture design, automation, and ensuring long-term operational sustainability.
Solution
Prior to implementation, a proof-of-concept (PoC) was conducted to evaluate multiple Kubernetes distributions for compatibility with the client’s on-premise environment. Based on criteria such as ease of management, reliability, and operational fit, the lightweight K0s distribution was selected. The Kubernetes cluster was then deployed on bare virtual machines within a VMware environment. Cluster configuration and core services — including the CSI storage driver, networking, load balancing, and more — were provisioned using Infrastructure as Code (IaC), ensuring consistency, repeatability, and simplified management. The same automated approach was applied to deploy essential supporting services such as databases, identity management systems, and search engines. This comprehensive and automated setup provides a sustainable foundation for testing and future migration toward a fully Kubernetes-based application landscape.
Results
The entire solution—from initial design to a fully functional test environment—was delivered within an ambitious four-week timeline set by the customer. Despite the inherent complexity of the on-premise environment and Kubernetes, a stable, automated test platform was successfully deployed to support migration testing. Leveraging automation and an Infrastructure as Code (IaC) approach, the environment is now easily maintainable and scalable. The test migration of applications proceeded smoothly and without significant issues, validating both the technical design and the infrastructure’s readiness for future production deployment.
"The Zonio team provided exceptional guidance throughout our entire migration to Kubernetes. Their ability to deliver a fully automated test environment within just four weeks was truly impressive. We greatly value their technical expertise, problem-solving flexibility, and strong focus on automation, which played a key role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the solution."
David Alimov
Lead DevOps Architect
Technologies Used
Kubernetes, MetalLB, NFS CSI, Helm, OpenTofu, CloudNativePG PostgreSQL operator, Apache Solr operator, KeyCloak
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