It’s apparent that Kubernetes has become a mainstream technology in recent years. Although 99 percent of organizations are recognizing clear benefits from leveraging a containerized platform, according to the latest State of Kubernetes report, new technologies do not come without challenges and learning curves. The VMware Tanzu team is focused on enhancing our solutions in order to make Kubernetes easier to use and to provide greater stability, whether running in private clouds, public clouds, or at the edge.
We’re excited to be announcing VMware Tanzu Kubernetes Grid 2.1 today. This release provides more flexibility and choice for customers on a multi-cloud journey through the support for virtual machine (VM)-based management cluster models and more public cloud options.
Deployment models
At VMware Explore 2022 US in San Francisco in September, we announced the next milestone of Tanzu Kubernetes Grid, which introduced a new Cluster API feature, ClusterClass, as well as Carvel tooling that made unified, declarative API and enhanced application lifecycle management capabilities possible. In the 2.0 version, this was available on the Supervisor for a native and heavily integrated VMware vSphere experience. With the latest release, this platform will now also have the option of leveraging VMs as the management cluster. Each will be familiar, but now they both support a single, unified way of cluster creation using a new API called ClusterClass.
Both deployment models were accessible in previous releases, and Tanzu Kubernetes Grid 2.1 makes the added API for ClusterClass possible within both models.
Utilizing the Supervisor Cluster is the recommended approach for most workloads, can satisfy ease of operational use, and has tighter integration with vSphere capabilities. The VM-based management cluster is alternatively the mechanism for managing clusters on hyperscale cloud-based deployments and may prove valuable to advanced users and highly specific use cases (e.g., in the telecommunications industry).
Tanzu Kubernetes Grid is designed to support you in making the move to providing developers with consistent, on-demand access to infrastructure services across these clouds. Tanzu Kubernetes Grid 2.1 gives customers the choice, flexibility, and support they need to streamline their Kubernetes operations anywhere.
If you’re attending VMware Explore 2022 Europe in Barcelona this year, be sure to stop by the VMware booth for product demonstrations or attend some of our sessions to learn more about how VMware Tanzu solutions can help you optimize your multi-cloud journey.
