The Challenge
Scaling Kubernetes Integration in Private Cloud Infrastructure
Our automotive client faced a significant challenge: integrating Kubernetes at scale into their existing infrastructure, which was based on a private cloud setup. They aimed to leverage this infrastructure to seamlessly create Kubernetes clusters, enabling various departments and teams to collaborate without being isolated while maintaining multi-tenancy and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, they sought to replace expensive VM hypervisors with more efficient alternative, all while streamlining operations and implementing Kubernetes as a service. This required a comprehensive solution capable of automating VM provisioning and Kubernetes cluster creation on demand, addressing their specific requirements for scalability, flexibility, and cost optimization.
The Solution
Enabling Kubernetes Clusters as a Service in Private Cloud Infrastructure
The solution involved developing an integration between the private cloud infrastructure and Kubermatic Kubernetes Platform (KKP), facilitating the direct creation of Kubernetes clusters within the cloud environment.
This integration was realized by implementing a new provider within the machine controller component of KKP. With this setup, the machine controller could provision virtual machines (VMs) within their private cloud and configure them to operate as Kubernetes clusters. This transformation effectively turned the private cloud into a platform capable of offering Kubernetes clusters as a service (KAS), providing users with a streamlined solution for managing their Kubernetes workloads.
Similar to managed Kubernetes services offered by leading cloud providers, this solution enabled the creation of managed Kubernetes clusters within the private cloud infrastructure, empowered by the functionalities of the KKP platform. Through the KKP API, users could initiate the provisioning process, facilitating the seamless creation of Kubernetes clusters within the private cloud environment.
The Impact
Seamless Integration and Enhanced Cloud Offerings
The integration of the solution into their platform has been successful, operating seamlessly within their infrastructure and enabling efficient management of software and production lines. Looking ahead, the next steps involve expanding its deployment across a greater number of machines, including bare metal. Additionally, consideration is being given to implementing a load balancer as a service feature using Kubermatic Load Balancer Solution – KubeLB. Ultimately, the primary objective is to provide Kubernetes as a service as part of the cloud offering, aligning with broader goals for enhancing the platform’s capabilities.
Automotive
The integration of KKP into the private cloud infrastructure enabled significant advancements in streamlining operations and improving cloud offerings. KKP’s capabilities facilitated the automation of Kubernetes cluster creation, enabling seamless workload management. This integration optimized operational efficiency, ensured multi-tenancy, and promoted cost-effectiveness. As a result, there was a noticeable enhancement in scalability, flexibility, and performance within the cloud operations.
