groundcover is an observability platform addressing the complexities of instrumenting applications and the high costs associated with transmitting data to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) providers. In this episode, Co-Founder and CTO Yechezkel Rabinovich explains how these persistent issues inspired the creation of groundcover, which aims to offer a streamlined and cost-effective solution tailored for Kubernetes environments.

One of key technologies groundcover harnesses is Extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF), a Linux kernel innovation. Rabinovich describes eBPF as enabling fast, dynamic instrumentation of the kernel without requiring code changes. This allows groundcover to deploy its platform within minutes, significantly reducing onboarding times and eliminating the need for developer intervention. On discussing the platform’s ease of setup, Rabinovich says, “Imagine running for three minutes, installing a DaemonSet, and having everything you need in one place.”

At KubeCon, the team engaged with customers and prospects about recurring challenges like instrumentation complexity and rising costs, noting a growing shift toward “bring your own cloud” solutions for greater data ownership and control.

Rabinovich talks about the company’s integration with Kubernetes and its focus on in-cloud solutions. groundcover empowers organizations to host observability data within their own accounts, which addresses growing concerns over data privacy, security, and cost. He discusses the shift away from traditional Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models as companies increasingly seek greater control over their data.

In a competitive observability market, groundcover differentiates itself through innovation in sensor technology. Rabinovich emphasizes their reliance on Extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF) to collect, aggregate, and minimize data volume, making observability more efficient and affordable. He believes this approach is particularly valuable as Kubernetes workloads grow more complex, with ephemeral jobs, graphics processing unit (GPU) usage, and AI applications adding new challenges.

Rabinovich discusses groundcover’s commitment to customer-centric solutions including aggregating unnecessary data and avoiding volume-based charges. He underscores the company’s dedication to solving modern observability challenges while maintaining security and cost efficiency.

Guest: Yechezkel Rabinovich
Company: groundcover
Show: Let’s Talk

This summary was written by Emily Nicholls.