Kubernetes has become a cornerstone for modern cloud-native application deployments. As organizations evolve, the need to migrate workloads between Kubernetes platforms, like Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) and Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS), becomes essential. This guide walks you through efficiently migrating Kubernetes workloads with practical insights for a seamless transition.

Understanding Kubernetes Workload Migration Basics

Migration involves moving applications, configurations, and data between clusters. Understanding the workload types and migration strategies is crucial when transitioning to EKS for cost optimization, availability, or security.

Overview of Stateless and Stateful Applications

  • Stateless Applications: Easier to migrate as they do not persist data locally. Examples include front-end services and microservices with external databases.
  • Stateful Applications: Require careful handling due to dependencies on persistent storage. Examples include databases and caching services.

Exploring Migration Options for Kubernetes Workloads

Common Approaches:

  1. Cluster-to-Cluster Replication: Simultaneous operation of both clusters with synchronized workloads.
  2. Blue-Green Deployment: Gradual migration with minimal downtime.
  3. CI/CD Pipeline Integration: Automating migration through robust CI/CD pipelines.

Simplified Migration with CI/CD Pipelines and Tools

  • Use tools like ArgoCD, Jenkins, or GitHub Actions for automated deployment.
  • Implement IaC (Infrastructure as Code) with tools like Terraform or AWS CDK for consistency.

Deep Dive into Kubernetes Endpoints for Cross-Cluster Communication

Kubernetes endpoints facilitate seamless communication during migration:

  • ExternalDNS for DNS management.
  • Service Mesh (e.g., Istio) for consistent communication across clusters.
  • Load Balancers for traffic routing between GKE and EKS.

Utilizing Kubernetes Endpoints for External Services Integration

While transitioning, ensure that services like databases, APIs, or third-party tools remain accessible:

  • Use Kubernetes Ingress or EKS ALB Ingress Controller to manage access.
  • Configure externalName Services to point to existing services.

Practical Steps for Migrating Workloads from GKE to EKS

  1. Assess Your Workload: Identify components to migrate.
  2. Set Up EKS Cluster: Use eksctl or AWS Console for EKS provisioning.
  3. Export Configurations: Retrieve Kubernetes manifests from GKE.
  4. Adapt Manifests: Update manifests to align with EKS-specific requirements (e.g., IAM roles, storage classes).

Configuring Environments and Deploying Sample Applications

  1. Provision the EKS Environment: Configure networking, IAM roles, and storage classes.
  2. Deploy a Sample Application: Test EKS configuration by deploying a demo application.

Migrating Stateful Applications: A Detailed Walkthrough

  1. Persistent Volume Management: Use tools like Velero for volume snapshots.
  2. Backup and Restore: Backup data from GKE and restore it in EKS using tools like Kasten K10.

Database Migration and Backend Application Transfer

  • Export GKE database backups and import them into Amazon RDS or an alternative.
  • Reconfigure backend services to use new database endpoints in EKS.

Migrating Frontend Applications and Finalizing the Migration Process

  1. Deploy front-end services to EKS.
  2. Update DNS records to redirect traffic to EKS.
  3. Test applications thoroughly in the new environment.

Ensuring Seamless Transition and Cleanup

  1. Monitor application logs and performance during the transition.
  2. Remove unused resources from GKE after confirming stability on EKS.
  3. Implement observability tools like Prometheus and Grafana for long-term monitoring.

References

Using Kubernetes Migration Factory (KMF) to migrate from Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) to Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (Amazon EKS)

Seamlessly migrate workloads from EKS self-managed node groups to EKS-managed node groups.