Compare To Kubernetes

Overview

Kubernetes has become the gold standard for container orchestration, enabling scalable and reliable deployments across different infrastructures. However, converting a SaaS product built for the cloud to run in a Kubernetes environment is a significant engineering undertaking. This process often requires replacing managed services, redesigning workflows, and implementing new deployment pipelines. Tensor9’s Any-Prem approach automates this process, enabling vendors to deliver their software seamlessly in customer environments without the engineering burden of manual conversion.

If the vendor’s product is already built for Kubernetes, Tensor9 still adds value by providing continuous deployment and continuous observability tailored for customer-controlled environments, ensuring a consistent, secure operational experience.

TL;DR

Converting a cloud-native SaaS product to fit the Kubernetes form factor requires significant engineering effort. Tensor9 automates converting a SaaS product into the customer’s chosen form factor, whether that’s AWS, Azure, GCP, or Kubernetes for on-prem environments. Additionally, Tensor9 adds continuous deployment and continuous observability.

Differences Between Kubernetes-Based Deployments and Tensor9

Category	Kubernetes-Based Deployments	Tensor9
Deployment Model	Customer manages Kubernetes clusters and deployments.	Vendor-delivered deployments that adapt to AWS, Azure, GCP, or Kubernetes-based on customer requirements.
Data Control	Data stays within customer infrastructure, but with customer-managed access controls.	Data stays entirely within the customer's infrastructure, with vendor-delivered secure observability.
Managed Services Compatibility	Requires manual replacement of managed services for on-prem setups.	Automatically retains managed services (e.g., Lambda, S3) if the customer uses the same cloud provider.
Service Conversion	Vendors must manually convert services like Lambda to containers for Kubernetes environments.	Automatically converts services like Lambda to containers if the customer requires an on-prem Kubernetes deployment.
Migration Cost	High engineering cost to support different form factors (cloud vs. on-prem).	Supports cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-on-prem migrations without requiring vendor-side rework.
Software Updates	Customers apply updates by redeploying containerized services.	Controlled, vendor-delivered updates that customers can review and apply seamlessly across form factors.
Observability	Customers must configure and manage their own monitoring and logging stack (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana).	Secure telemetry and logs provided via digital twins with customer-controlled visibility.
Air-Gapped Environments	Complex to configure and maintain without internet access.	Fully supported with offline updates, secure workflows, and audit-logged vendor support.
Support Model	Customer-managed with optional vendor support (via external tools).	Vendor-provided support with secure, customer-controlled, audit-logged remote access for troubleshooting.
Operational Complexity	Requires expertise in Kubernetes setup, scaling, and maintenance.	Simplified deployment with automated orchestration and secure update workflows, reducing operational burden.

Why Choose Tensor9 Over Kubernetes-Based Deployments?

Form Factor Flexibility: Tensor9 adapts the vendor’s SaaS product to match the customer’s environment. If the customer uses AWS, Tensor9 deploys the product using native AWS services. If the customer requires on-prem, Tensor9 automatically converts managed services (e.g., Lambda → containers, S3 → MinIO) to run in Kubernetes.
Avoiding Engineering Overhead: Manually converting a product to Kubernetes requires replacing cloud services, setting up orchestration pipelines, and extensive testing. Tensor9 automates these processes, eliminating the need for vendor-side rework when moving to customer-controlled environments.
Managed Service Preservation: In customer environments that match the vendor's cloud provider, Tensor9 retains managed services (e.g., AWS Lambda or S3) to minimize migration friction. No vendor-side engineering is required unless the customer needs a different form factor.
Simplified Observability: Traditional Kubernetes deployments require complex monitoring and logging stacks. Tensor9’s digital twin approach provides secure, built-in observability without additional configuration.
Air-Gapped Support: Kubernetes-based deployments in air-gapped environments require extensive manual configuration. Tensor9 fully supports air-gapped environments with offline updates and secure, audit-logged debugging workflows.
Continuous Deployment: Tensor9 automates updates and rollouts across customer environments, providing seamless, vendor-controlled software updates that fit customer security and scheduling requirements.

Summary

Tensor9 extends the power of Kubernetes-based deployments by automating managed service replacements only when needed and minimizing vendor-side configuration. With Tensor9’s Any-Prem approach, vendors can avoid costly engineering efforts and focus on their core product while customers maintain full control of their data and environment, free from the operational burden of managing complex Kubernetes infrastructure.