Organizations across the world are tapping into the power of containers to streamline software development to drive both innovation and digital transformation. Containers alone make developers more agile, but Kubernetes is necessary for putting next-generation applications into production at scale. Together, they accelerate the rollout of custom applications, simplify multi-cloud implementation, and enhance DevOps flexibility to adapt to market changes.
Though Kubernetes makes container management more efficient, DevOps professionals can find the platform can be challenging when it comes to implementation, deployment, and on-going management. But VMware is changing all that and inviting DevOps teams to a whole new world of agility and efficiency.
VMware Enterprise PKS Unleashes the Power of Kubernetes
VMware led the transformation from physical infrastructure to virtualized infrastructure, and then to the software-defined data center. With its acquisition of Pivotal at the end of 2019, the company’s leading the next enterprise transformation to cloud native operation with VMware Enterprise Pivotal Container Service (PKS). VMware Enterprise PKS is a game-changer when it comes to simplifying the deployment and operation of Kubernetes clusters, providing organizations with greater agility to run and manage containers at scale on private and public clouds—with day 1 and day 2 operations support.
Built with containers and DevOps in mind, VMware Enterprise PKS keeps development and operations moving with self-service portals that include all of the developer dashboards and APIs needed to integrate with their development control plane. This empowers DevOps teams to accelerate release cycles while easily scaling containers—all with very little IT intervention. DevOps can work the way they’re most familiar by eliminating time-consuming and complicated deployment and management processes with on-demand provisioning, scaling, patching, and Kubernetes updating via CLI or API. No special Kubernetes expertise required.
VMware Enterprise PKS offers a wealth of capabilities to ensure stability, such as high availability, auto-scaling, health checks, and self-healing. It also manages the rolling upgrade process for a fleet of Kubernetes clusters, eliminating downtime for application workloads. Plus, automatic updates ensure developers always have the latest Kubernetes tools and services, and security vulnerabilities are quickly patched.
VMware Enterprise PKS also includes other key services that enhance DevOps productivity. Harbor registry is an integrated private registry that provides a place to store, sign, and validate images. Aligned with Docker, developers can push, pull, and store images in one platform.
Also built into VMware Enterprise PKS, Catalog API offers access to key third-party services for applications that need message store or persistent data, and the ability to store analytical data or to stream logging information.
Advanced container networking and security capabilities provide DevOps teams with the ability to micro-segment, do load balancing, and define policy through its integration with VMware NSX-T. VMware Enterprise PKS includes a persistent storage set for applications running in Kubernetes. And everything is streamlined, enhancing DevOps efficiency, without the team having to learn any new tools or reach out to any other sets.
VMware Enterprise PKS Benefits for DevOps
Reduces K8s complexity – Lets developers use native Kubernetes CLI—which they’re most familiar with—without adding any layers of abstraction or proprietary extensions.
Shrinks time to market – A more agile DevOps process means developers can innovate, develop, and publish applications faster, so business owners can realize a quicker return on their investment and more valuable business outcomes.
Increases business agility – Create new products and accelerate enhancements to rapidly respond to customer needs.
Simplifies configuration and deployment – Deploy and orchestrate containerized applications at any time, from any location, without the overhead of setting up and managing either Kubernetes or its underlying infrastructure.
Enhances versatility – Supports new applications built with Kubernetes, as well as existing applications built on virtual machines.
Strengthens bottom line – Streamlines development which minimizes application downtime, manual intervention, DIY scripting, and troubleshooting, so you can adapt to market changes with less risk and more reward.
Integrates with AWS – Provides seamless integration with AWS compute, storage, analytics, and services such as machine learning, with no need to manually rebuild apps.
Elysian Accelerates DevOps
Elysian specializes in delivering tools for DevOps on platforms IT understands. We recognize DevOps challenges and have years of experience helping customers shrink DevOps time to market by providing custom cloud solutions designed for each company’s strategic, unique goals.
As an engineer-led trusted advisor, we work collaboratively with you and your team through the entire process—from consultation to get to know your unique needs through support—we’re there when you need us most.
Our diverse team of engineers brings a wealth of knowledge and unique perspectives to help you solve your IT problems quicker. The breadth of our experience gives us the unique position of being able to see your DevOps challenges from its many viewpoints, and develop creative and valuable solutions. We understand because we’ve been there. Let’s work together to find a better, faster way to achieve your goals.
Shawn Burke is lead engineer and co-founder of Elysian Technology. Shawn has over 15 years’ experience in the IT space, on both the VAR side and the vendor side. He has worked with small, medium, and enterprise businesses to find the right technology to achieve their business goals. When he’s not collaborating with customers on solutions, he enjoys coaching his kids’ youth sports teams, cruising in his 1954 Oldsmobile Super 88, and nerding out over video games (with what little time remains).
