Object, Block, or File Storage? Choosing the Right Cloud Storage to Integr... M. Becker, T. McDonald

This presentation discusses the complexities of choosing the right cloud storage option for Kubernetes applications, emphasizing the importance of persistent storage and the need to understand application requirements before selecting a storage type. The presenters recommend using CSI drivers for easier storage management and encourage the audience to engage with the storage community for best practices and solutions to common storage challenges.

Stateful Applications in Kubernetes

• 00:00:30 Many modern applications require persistent storage, particularly stateful applications that need an anchor point for data, as highlighted by the CNCF survey showing 82% of organizations planning to use stateful applications. This necessitates choosing between file, block, or object storage based on application needs and Kubernetes' extensibility in storage allows for integration of different storage types.

Kubernetes Storage Tenants

• 00:07:57 The session outlines key tenants for Kubernetes storage: persistent data should reside outside pod lifecycles, storage must be accessible across the cluster, and storage must be highly available and durable. This ensures data persistence and resilience even in the event of node failures and emphasizes the significance of persistent storage in maintaining application functionality.

File, Block, and Object Storage

• 00:12:26 The session describes the core differences between file, block, and object storage, with file being traditional and hierarchical, block acting like a hard drive, and object having a flat name space. These different storage types are explored with their respective CSI drivers, outlining their applicability for different application needs and use cases.

Best Practices for Optimizing Storage

• 00:18:33 The presenters demonstrate how best practices for storage can optimize performance and reduce costs, citing examples of improved throughput with object storage pre-partitioning and optimized read-ahead settings in Lustre file systems. The examples demonstrate the importance of understanding application requirements and resource allocation to avoid performance bottlenecks and reduce costs.

Choose Your Own Storage Adventure

• 00:23:12 The presentation emphasizes the importance of understanding application requirements and choosing a storage solution that aligns with those needs. Building a decision tree helps optimize performance and cost. The concept of 'Choose Your Own Adventure' emphasizes the need to avoid 'endless side quests' by having a clear plan for storage selection and optimization.