Tigera Unveils Groundbreaking Calico for VMs on Kubernetes to Simplify Migration and Network Management

In a monumental announcement, Tigera, Inc. has launched Calico for VMs on Kubernetes, marking a significant milestone in the realm of virtual machine (VM) networking. This innovative platform utilizes eBPF technology to integrate networking and security for both VMs and containers within a singular Kubernetes-native control plane. Enterprises transitioning from VMware can now seamlessly migrate without the cumbersome task of reconfiguring their existing networks, ensuring consistent network and security outcomes previously managed by NSX.

With businesses eager to migrate their VMs to Kubernetes platforms such as OpenShift and SUSE, the migration process poses unique challenges. While moving compute and storage is relatively straightforward, the networking aspect is where many organizations stumble. The networking identity of legacy VMs is intertwined within the infrastructure and business processes, making any modifications a potential risk to system operability. Additionally, teams familiar with managing networks through NSX often find native Kubernetes network functionalities to be complex and lacking essential features.

Organizations migrating from VMware primarily seek four key objectives:
1. As-IS Migration: Move VMs with minimal disruption to operations, adhering to tight timelines.
2. Modernize Architecture: Update networking architecture to eliminate hard-coded dependencies on outdated infrastructure while reducing costs.
3. Retain Flexibility: Ensure the new architecture steers clear of vendor lock-in, preserving options for future developments, particularly in AI workloads.
4. Converged Platform: Create a unified system that can support both containers and VMs, setting the stage for future AI applications.

The introduction of Calico for VMs on Kubernetes makes it possible for enterprises to operate under a unified model across diverse workloads and environments. The same policies and observability patterns apply to both containers and VMs, thereby simplifying operations. Organizations can experience a smooth migration process followed by a gradual modernization phase, enabling them to maintain existing IPs, VLANs, and firewall rules in the interim.

As Pervez Sikora, President of Tigera, emphasizes, “The market is converging on one self-hosted platform for containers and VMs, and the economics and AI trends driving it are only accelerating.” Calico's capabilities effectively eliminate the complexities of network management that VM administrators have relied on within NSX, bridging the gap between traditional VMs and modern containerized environments.

The stack provided by Calico for VMs on Kubernetes equips enterprises with essential tools for connecting, securing, and monitoring VM workloads. Key functionalities include:
  • - Connectivity: Employs L2 bridge capabilities to maintain network continuity during migration, facilitating smooth transitions.
  • - Security: Offers robust microsegmentation and policy enforcement, ensuring system integrity throughout the migration.
  • - Observability: Provides advanced tools for troubleshooting and monitoring, enabling teams to analyze traffic flow between VMs and containers effectively.

The platform successfully meets the demands of NSX administrators by offering Kubernetes-native counterparts for every critical functionality:
  • - Connectivity and Networking: Supports layering existing VLANs into Kubernetes.
  • - Segmentation: Facilitates effective isolation and access control through policy enforcement.
  • - Firewalls: Implements microsegmentation based on workload identity instead of solely on IP addresses, allowing for safer rollouts.
  • - Quality of Service (QoS): Offers precise QoS controls for optimizing performance.

Calico's Unified Platform has already proven its capabilities, now securing over one million clusters daily, establishing itself as a leader in container networking. Notable enterprises such as NVIDIA and GoDaddy depend on this technology, which is now extended to encompass virtual machines, providing a comprehensive solution for modern networking challenges.

As the demand for managing both VMs and containers under a unified platform continues to grow, Calico for VMs on Kubernetes is set to revolutionize the industry landscape. With advanced networking for VMs now available, organizations can look forward to streamlined operations and enhanced capabilities as they embrace the future of cloud-native environments.

For enterprises considering migration options, Calico for VMs on Kubernetes is now readily available. Interested parties are encouraged to schedule a demo to witness its functionalities firsthand or view a self-paced demonstration online.

For more information on Tigera and their offerings, visit tigera.io.

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