Prioritizing APM vs. Observability
Navigating the world of Kubernetes can feel overwhelming, especially for newcomers or those migrating from traditional deployments. A common question arises: Should I treat APM and observability as separate strategies for my Kubernetes infrastructure and applications? Let’s unravel this question and discover where to focus your observability efforts.
Application-Centric Observability
Start with application-centric observability. Begin your observability journey by prioritizing your application itself. This means monitoring the overall health of your deployments and services. Are your microservices performing as expected? Are they delivering a seamless user experience? These are the primary questions your observability approach should answer.
Infrastructure Observability: When and How to Dive Deeper
Now, let’s explore infrastructure observability. Think of it as layers, each providing insights at different levels:
Node-Level Observability: Troubleshooting Pod Issues
- The first layer, often referred to as node-level observability, becomes relevant when you need to delve deeper into the Kubernetes environment, typically due to issues at the Pod level.
- Imagine a Pod encountering memory limitations and getting terminated. To understand the root cause, investigating the context of the node it resides on can provide valuable clues.
- While not always necessary, understanding node-level resource usage and state can offer essential context for troubleshooting Pod-related events.
Control Plane Observability: The Deep End
- The second layer, known as control plane observability, dives into the core of Kubernetes orchestration. It involves monitoring the Kubernetes control plane itself.
- Ideally, you shouldn’t need to navigate these intricate depths unless you’re directly managing the Kubernetes service.
- Typically, the Kubernetes administration team handles control plane health, ensuring smooth operation without requiring interventions from application developers or users.
Remember: Application First, Infrastructure When Needed
Keep in mind that application-centric observability should remain your primary focus. Consider infrastructure observability as a supportive tool, available when needed, but not requiring constant scrutiny. This approach guides your observability journey efficiently, ensuring you have the right insights to keep your applications running smoothly.
