Infrastructure Modernization with Kubernetes

IT-Security
Performance
System Architecture
B2B
Backend

In our collaboration with ERCO, we comprehensively modernized the web infrastructure and future-proofed the architectural lighting web platform that has existed for 20 years. A central element was the introduction of Kubernetes – a system for automated application management and scaling. Additionally, we improved the deployment strategy and security standards, integrated new monitoring tools, and increased the website’s performance by a factor of eight. This way, both users and developers benefit equally from a stable and powerful infrastructure.

Client: ERCO Leuchten
Year: since 2023
Tools: Kubernetes, Helm
Klickmeister: Bernhard Kelm

Nils Polarek

Florian Bräunsbach

Challenges and Goals of the Infrastructure Update

Due to the multitude of interconnected components, the infrastructure for ERCO.com placed high demands on operational reliability and coordination within the development team, which continuously works on new features. Our goal was to create a flexible, scalable, and independent IT environment that meets the requirements of a modern web platform. Key focus areas were improving performance, ensuring uninterrupted operations, and simplifying development processes.

Migration to Kubernetes for Flexibility and Independence

A central component of the new infrastructure was the introduction of Kubernetes, an open-source system for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. With Kubernetes and the use of Helm, we established a flexible, scalable infrastructure that provides ERCO with greater independence from external hosting providers while increasing adaptability.

Enhanced Security Standards and Performance Optimization

To ensure the platform’s security, we implemented additional protective measures, such as new secret management and continuous updates to strengthen web security. At the same time, we were able to significantly increase the website’s performance: The loading speed was improved by a factor of eight, resulting in a noticeably more responsive site for users.

More Efficient Processes and Better Observability

Another optimization was the improvement of observability and monitoring. Through a new monitoring system and continuous deployments, potential errors can be detected early and quickly resolved. The new deployment strategy also allows for targeted control of rollouts and straightforward rollbacks if necessary, which additionally ensures the platform’s stability.

Optimized User Experience and Simplified Development Processes

Both website users and developers equally benefit from the comprehensive infrastructure measures. While users enjoy a stable, fast website without downtime, we have significantly simplified development processes through automation and increased process reliability. In the long term, this new structure creates sustainable cost efficiency and more stable processes for operating the web platform.

Conclusion

With the modernization of the ERCO website, we have created a future-proof infrastructure that meets current industry standards and fulfills requirements for a scalable, secure platform. As a result, users and developers benefit from a stable, powerful website that optimally supports ERCO in the international marketing of their products.