Kubernetes has become a standard platform for modern applications, but data protection works differently than in traditional virtual server environments. Applications are composed of Kubernetes objects, configuration, secrets, persistent volumes, databases, and service dependencies. Because of this, a simple copy of a disk or server is often not enough for reliable application recovery.
This creates three key challenges:
- Applications are not tied to a single server: Data and configuration are distributed across namespaces, deployments, PVCs, secrets, ingress rules, and external services. Recovery must consider the whole application, not just an individual volume.
- Data consistency is more complex: A backup must capture Kubernetes objects, persistent data, and application state at the right point in time. Databases often require application consistency, and not only crash-consistent snapshots.
- Environments change quickly: Applications are often deployed through GitOps, Helm charts, and operators. A backup strategy must support frequent changes, cluster migrations, and disaster recovery requirements.
How does a Kubernetes-native backup approach help, and what is the role of NIL / Conscia?
A Kubernetes-native backup solution protects the application as a whole. Instead of focusing on a server or disk as the main protection unit, it focuses on namespaces, application resources, persistent data, protection policies, and verifiable recovery.
- A clear understanding of what needs to be backed up in Kubernetes,
- A distinction between Kubernetes metadata, persistent volumes, and application consistency,
- A comparison of tools such as Veeam Kasten, Portworx Backup, Velero/OADP, and other approaches.
As a trusted partner, NIL can help you with:
- planning a Kubernetes backup architecture based on applications, storage, and existing operations,
- selecting the right tool for OpenShift, Kubernetes, on-premises environments,
- implementing protection policies, object storage integration, and restore validation,
- transferring knowledge and best practices into day-to-day operations.
Webinar agenda:
During the webinar, you will learn through explanations, practical examples, and tool comparison:
- Why Kubernetes backup is different from traditional backup: VM backup, snapshots, Kubernetes objects, and application-centric recovery.
- What to back up in Kubernetes: namespaces, manifests, CRDs, secrets, configmaps, persistent volumes, databases, and application dependencies.
- Best practices for Kubernetes backup: the 3-2-1 approach, isolated object storage, encryption, RBAC, regular restore testing, and documented RPO/RTO targets.
- when manifest backup is enough and when persistent data protection is required,
- the difference between CSI snapshots, copying data to object storage, and application hooks,
- a comparison of Veeam Kasten and Portworx Backup across application awareness, storage integrations, migration, and operational use,
- a brief look at other tools and approaches, including Velero/OADP, storage vendor snapshots, and GitOps as a complement to backup strategy.
- Veeam Kasten: suitable for application-centric protection, policies, recovery, migration, and integrations with different storage systems.
- Portworx Backup: suitable for Kubernetes environments where granular application recovery and close integration with the Portworx ecosystem are important.