Introduction to OpenShift Virtualization for the VMware SME

This briefing navigates the paradigm shift towards container orchestration platforms, emphasizing agility, scalability and efficiency benefits while addressing the challenges and opportunities this transition presents for VMware Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). 

The discussion starts with a comprehensive overview of OpenShift Virtualization's cluster and network architecture, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of its operational dynamics. We will then compare critical features of VMware and OpenShift Virtualization, shedding light on the unique advantages and considerations of adopting a Kubernetes-centric approach to virtualization.

Moreover, our discussion extends to the practical implications of this transition, including security, compliance, performance and scalability considerations. By illustrating how World Wide Technology (WWT) can facilitate this journey through expertise, training and custom solutions, we underscore our commitment to empowering organizations in navigating the complexities of adopting OpenShift Virtualization. 

Topics

Introduction

• Brief overview: We start with a concise introduction to OpenShift Virtualization (OSv), emphasizing its importance in cloud-native development and our role in enabling this technology with KubeVirt.

KubeVirt Background

• What is KubeVirt?: The agenda includes an explanation of KubeVirt, showcasing it as an extension for Kubernetes that manages virtual machines alongside containers, including its origins, development and integration with Kubernetes.
• Why KubeVirt?: The rationale behind KubeVirt, particularly the need for running legacy applications on Kubernetes without direct containerization, will be discussed.

Paradigm Shift

• From VMware to Kubernetes: A discussion on the transition from traditional VM-based infrastructures to container orchestration platforms and highlights the agility, scalability and efficiency benefits.
• Challenges and opportunities: Addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities for VMware SMEs during this transition is crucial for optimization and innovation.

Terminology Overview

• Common terms: Key terms in OpenShift Virtualization and KubeVirt will be introduced, with comparisons to VMware counterparts to bridge understanding.

Paradigm Discussion

• VMs vs. Containers: A discussion of why these two worlds are so different. Explanation of different concepts and how they create different realities for operations, engineering, and architecture teams.

Cluster Architecture

• OpenShift cluster components: A detailed description of OpenShift cluster components, with a focus on virtualization integration, is planned.
• Integration with KubeVirt: It is essential to explain how KubeVirt seamlessly integrates with OpenShift clusters, enabling VM management alongside container workloads.
• Key Concepts: Discussion about the most important concepts a VMW SME needs to consider when designing a new OSv cluster.

Network Architecture

• Networking in OpenShift: The basics of OpenShift's network architecture, including pod networking, services and ingress, will be covered.
• Differences in VM networking: A comparison of VM networking in KubeVirt, including the adoption of Multus for additional network interfaces, offers insight into the flexibility of OpenShift Virtualization.
• Key Concepts: A review of the most important concepts to understand from OSv and how to incorporate those differences in designs and implementations.

Storage Architecture

• Storage Overview:  The basics of how OSv leverages storage and how this differs from vSphere environments.
• Key Concepts: A deeper understanding of how the various sub-components within OpenShift Data Foundation function and how this differs from a traditional vSphere datastore approach.

Important Feature Comparison

• VMware vs OpenShift Virtualization: Critical features of VMware and OpenShift Virtualization will be compared, highlighting both similarities and unique advantages.
  • High availability
  • Resource over-commit
  • Maintenance & patching
  • Live migration (vMotion)

Advantages of OpenShift Virtualization: 

• Review:  Discussing the unique features OpenShift Virtualization offers, such as seamless development and integrated monitoring, underscores its value.

Other Notable Considerations

• Integration considerations: How does this integrate with the rest of the environment?  E.g., backups, BC/DR and security.

What is a briefing? 

A scheduled event with a WWT Subject Matter Expert—delivered remotely or in person —where an expert presents an overview of specific topics, technologies, capabilities or market trends. We allow your attendees time for Q&A to pose questions specific to your organization. This is a complimentary service.

Who should attend?  

Architects/Engineers/Operations (and their managers) who are responsible for VMware environments today.