Self-Managed Kubernetes
Full Control Over Your Kubernetes Clusters
Deploy and manage your own Kubernetes clusters on Leafcloud OpenStack infrastructure. Perfect for teams with existing K8s expertise who want complete control over cluster configuration. Use Talos, Rancher, Kubeadm, Terraform, or any orchestration tool. No cluster management fees, just pay for compute resources.
Looking for Managed Kubernetes?
Try Gardener Managed Kubernetes
Get automated cluster management, GPU provisioning, auto-healing, and seamless updates with Gardener. Zero operational overhead, €84.50/month per cluster.
When to Choose Self-Managed
For Teams with Kubernetes Expertise
Self-managed Kubernetes on Leafcloud OpenStack is ideal for teams who need complete control over cluster configuration, want to use specific K8s distributions or tools, have existing Kubernetes expertise, or prefer to avoid recurring cluster management fees. You handle the operations, we provide the sustainable infrastructure.
Carbon Reducing
Calculate Your Yearly Emissions Reduction
Our compute heavy machines are housed in apartment complexes and care homes. That means your workload reduces emissions for heating shower water by replacing natural gas use. With the heat from your workload people get a hot shower! Find out by how much you can reduce emissions
Setup Options
Deploy Your Way
Technical Implementation
OpenStack-Powered Kubernetes
Deploy control plane and worker nodes on Leafcloud VMs. Use Cinder for persistent volumes, Octavia for load balancers, and Neutron for networking. Full OpenStack API access for automation. No hidden layers. Manage everything from infrastructure to applications.
No Cluster Fees
Pay Only for Infrastructure
Unlike managed Kubernetes, self-managed clusters have no monthly cluster fee. You pay only for the compute resources (VMs, storage, networking) you consume. Perfect for cost-conscious teams with existing Kubernetes expertise who want maximum control and minimum recurring costs.
Managed vs Self-Managed
Which Option is Right for You?
Getting Started
Deploy Kubernetes on Leafcloud
Ready to deploy your own Kubernetes cluster? Start with our Rancher tutorial, explore Terraform examples, or contact our team for guidance on your specific K8s setup.
About Leafcloud
Helping Forward Thinkers Succeed
We empower businesses to grow sustainably, stay secure, and maintain control. Whether your focus is on the environment, avoiding vendor lock-in, or data sovereignty, we’re here to help you succeed.
Sustainable Innovation
We transform existing buildings into energy-efficient Leaf sites, reusing residual heat to warm urban buildings and provide free hot showers. No new data centers, no carbon credits—just real impact. Lower costs for you, less waste for the planet.
European Standards
We prioritize your data privacy with GDPR compliance, ISO 27001, and SOC2 certifications. Your data stays protected and sovereign—right where it belongs.
Open-Source Freedom
Built on OpenStack open-source technology, we provide flexible APIs and industry standards. Enjoy seamless multi-cloud integration without the risk of vendor lock-in, so you stay in control.
Any Questions?
How can I connect to my Kubernetes cluster?
Gardener has its own command-line tool called gardenctl. You can use gardenctl to connect to your cluster and manage your garden.
- Install Gardenctl: Follow the installation instructions provided in the Leafcloud documentation.
- Connect to Your Cluster: Use gardenctl commands to access and manage your Kubernetes cluster efficiently. For detailed steps, refer to the Leafcloud Gardenctl Documentation.
How can I manage and create Kubernetes clusters?
You can manage and create Kubernetes clusters (shoots) using Gardener in two main ways:
- Declaratively with YAML:
- Define cluster configurations in YAML files.
- Use gardenctl to apply these configurations, creating or updating clusters as specified.
- Via the Gardener UI:
- Access the Gardener dashboard at dashboard.gardener.leaf.cloud.
- Use the intuitive interface to manage and create clusters. Both methods offer flexible and efficient cluster management. For detailed instructions, visit the Leafcloud Gardenctl Documentation.
How does the Managed Kubernetes setup work?
The Kubernetes setup consists of several parts:
- Control Plane: Managed by Leafcloud, it oversees the Kubernetes cluster.
- Worker Nodes: Created in the customer's OpenStack project to run applications and workloads.
- Networking: Configured in the customer's OpenStack project to connect worker nodes and resources.
- Security Groups: Enhance security and control network access in the customer's OpenStack project.
How does the upgrade process work using the Gardener UI?
The upgrade process includes:
- Node Replacement: Nodes are replaced one by one when changing the Kubernetes version.
- Workload Migration: Workloads from old nodes are automatically migrated to the new nodes.
- Seamless Transition: Ensures minimal downtime, maintaining consistency and smooth operation.
What happens when a LoadBalancer service is created?
When you create a LoadBalancer service in Kubernetes:
- A load balancer is automatically provisioned for you in OpenStack.
- An external IP is assigned to the load balancer.
- This load balancer directs traffic from the external IP to your application pods.
What happens when a Persistent Volume Claim (PVC) is created?
When you create a PVC in Kubernetes, a storage volume is automatically created for you in OpenStack based on the specified storage class.
Where can I find Managed Kubernetes?
Our Gardener Managed Kubernetes service is available here. For self-managed Kubernetes on OpenStack, see this guide.
Where can I find the documentation about Leafcloud Kubernetes?
You can find documentation related to Leafcloud Kubernetes here.
Which network types are supported?
Leafcloud supports both Calico and Cilium network types.
Which versions of Kubernetes does Leafcloud offer?
Leafcloud is committed to staying close to the latest stable Kubernetes release. Currently, we offer Kubernetes version 1.32 (stable) and a preview of version 1.33.
Need Help Getting Started?
Our Amsterdam-based team is here to help. Whether you need guidance on Kubernetes setup, OpenStack configuration, or just want to discuss your infrastructure needs—reach us via email or plan a call.