Module Title: dgt_k8s07 – Enterprise Distributions
Overview:
This module covers enterprise-grade Kubernetes distributions, which are used to deploy scalable, secure applications in production. The module focuses on three distributions, Rancher, Red Hat OpenShift and OKD, with a detailed examination of their features, strengths and use cases.
Module Objectives:
– Gain an in-depth understanding of the key characteristics and benefits of the main enterprise Kubernetes distributions.
– Learn how applications are deployed and managed on Rancher, OpenShift and OKD, and have the machine do it from your natural-language instructions while you verify every resource it creates.
– Explore advanced features such as security enhancements, compliance support and the integrated management tools offered by these platforms.
– Analyze real-world case studies to understand how enterprises use these solutions to optimize their containerized environments.
Module Contents:
- Introduction to Enterprise Kubernetes Distributions
- Why enterprises need enterprise-grade Kubernetes
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Comparison between community Kubernetes (k8s) and its enterprise counterparts
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Rancher in Depth
- Architecture and core components of Rancher
- Multi-cluster management and operational efficiency
- Integration with existing tools and services
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Security features and compliance capabilities
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Red Hat OpenShift in Depth
- Understanding OpenShift’s architecture and ecosystem
- Built-in CI/CD, developer tools and automation features
- Security best practices and policy enforcement
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Deployment strategies and scalability considerations
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OKD: The Community-Focused Alternative
- Introduction to OKD and its origins as upstream OpenShift
- Features that distinguish OKD in a community context
- Deployment scenarios and customization options
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Comparing the open-source advantages of OKD with Red Hat’s commercial offering
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Use Cases and Best Practices
- Scenario-based learning for deploying applications on each platform
- Best practices for governance, security and compliance
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Cost-benefit analysis and ROI considerations
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Natural-Language Labs and Real-World Applications
- Exercises in which you ask the machine, in plain language, to deploy clusters with Rancher, OpenShift and OKD, then inspect the installation choices, manifests and security settings it applied
- Configuration management, troubleshooting and optimization tasks: you describe the problem or the goal, review the diagnosis and the changes the machine proposes, and approve or correct them
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Collaboration tools and strategies for effective DevOps practices
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Future Trends and Innovations in Kubernetes Distributions
- Emerging trends influencing the evolution of enterprise Kubernetes platforms
- Integration with cloud-native technologies and IoT ecosystems
How the practice works:
Each distribution is first studied on paper: its architecture, what it adds to upstream Kubernetes and how its security model differs. In the labs you then work only in natural language. For example, you might ask the machine to deploy the same application on OpenShift and on Rancher with the most restrictive security policy each platform allows. It is up to you to read the routes, Security Context Constraints and Pod Security settings it produces, explain why they differ, and send it back when something is too permissive.
Target Audience:
This module is intended for IT professionals, system administrators, DevOps engineers, CTOs and anyone involved in managing or deploying containerized applications at enterprise level. A basic understanding of Kubernetes fundamentals will be helpful.
Certification:
Upon successful completion of the module, participants will receive a certificate of completion for the module on managing enterprise-grade Kubernetes distributions, specifically Rancher, OpenShift and OKD.
The students can push their exercises to the Academy DevOps & SRE Git project. For this module, create a folder with your username as its name in the following subfolder: https://github.com/Garanti-Del-Talento/gdt_academy
