VMware is launching a new Kubernetes solution[1] called VMware Essential PKS. Essential PKS includes an upstream Kubernetes version backed with commercial support by VMware. The new solution is designed to address the needs of users who want vendor support without the heavy customization and modification often associated with vendor-distributed Kubernetes alternatives. Essential PKS also comes with reference architectures to inform design decisions.
Why would someone want Essential (with an upstream version of Kubernetes) rather than VMware’s own fully managed Enterprise PKS? According to Vmware VP Craig McLuckie, many potential customers have already invested in Kubernetes and would prefer to keep the open source, upstream version, but without the overhead of in-house maintenance.
References
- ^ launching a new Kubernetes solution (blogs.vmware.com)