Tanzu Application Catalog, the enterprise edition of Bitnami Application Catalog, is embracing a new era of technological evolution by extending support for ARM computer processor architecture. Previously, Tanzu Application Catalog users have been able to get container images in the x86-64 format. However, from now on, container images packaged with Debian, Photon OS, or Red Hat Universal Base Image (RH UBI) as the base OS image will be shipped as multi-architecture images, supporting ARM64 as well as x86-64. This means that these container images can be deployed as ARM64 or x86-64, depending on the architecture of the platform on which they are deployed.
ARM architecture, known for its high power efficiency and cost-saving benefits, is increasingly favored by enterprises that have been adding ARM servers to their infrastructure and using ARM-based cloud products, such as AWS Graviton-based workloads. For developers working with ARM machines, the availability of open source software applications that are compatible with these new chips has been limited. We heard from many developers who said they had trouble working on applications that had previously been packaged on X86-based Docker containers. These developers can now make use of our comprehensive catalog of 100+ secure, production-ready open source software applications to run their preferred open source apps on ARM servers of their choice. This flexibility breaks the mold of traditional x86-64 restrictions, helping unblock enterprise development teams seeking performance gains and cost reductions.
While Tanzu Application Catalog caters the open source needs of software development teams in enterprises, the ARM support available in the community edition of Bitnami packages aims to address the needs of individual developers. A notable benefit of ARM support in the community edition of Bitnami packages is for Mac users. With Apple’s introduction of ARM-based M1 and M2 chips in 2020, there’s been a growing demand for compatible open source software applications for local deployment on Mac laptops. Bitnami’s support for ARM addresses this need, ensuring seamless deployment and use of open source software for Mac users. Having access to multi-architecture containers in both the freely available open source Bitnami catalog and the enterprise Tanzu Application Catalog enables a seamless transition from prototype to production.
With support for ARM64 architecture, our approach to application support is now more inclusive than ever. This change is a testament to our commitment to versatility and user convenience. As we progress, we remain committed to meeting the evolving needs of our customers and users. Our support for ARM architecture is more than just a technical upgrade; it's a step toward a more efficient, cost-effective, and versatile future.
If you are interested in learning more about Tanzu Application Catalog, join us for a live webinar on January 18, 2024. In the meantime, check out our product webpage, Tech Zone page, technical documentation, and additional resources. If you would like to get in touch, contact us.
