Introduction

In today's hybrid cloud ecosystems, advanced automation is a must for scalable and diverse IT infrastructure. GitOps offers a framework that uses Git as a central single source of truth, ensuring consistency, version control, and efficient sharing across projects. Hitachi Unified Compute Platform (UCP) leverages GitOps-based solutions for customer-focused IT automation and management, driving competitive business growth.

Dive into this blog post as we explore a GitOps-driven framework for deploying modern databases on Hitachi UCP Kubernetes Solution with Red Hat OpenShift, using PostgreSQL as our example. We'll discuss how GitOps simplifies and optimizes continuous delivery pipelines for flexible database deployment on UCP with OpenShift.

Use case examples – Databases distributed on the Edge and Core

Managing multiple edge locations across vast geographical areas can feel like herding cats. Real-time analytics and substantial onsite data storage are vital in various industries and scenarios, but deploying and managing these resources can be challenging.

Meet Hitachi UCP and OpenShift GitOps, the dynamic duo that simplifies the deployment, management, and scaling of databases using GitOps methodology. It's like having a personal assistant for your database management needs. Some real-world scenarios where Hitachi UCP and OpenShift GitOps excel include:

1.     Retail Chains: Smooth operations and rapid decision-making across distributed locations.

2.     Smart City Infrastructure: Managing traffic, public transportation, and utilities.

3.     Healthcare: Efficient data access and processing for remote hospitals and clinics to enhance patient care.

4.     Manufacturing: Real-time analytics for equipment performance, production metrics, and quality control.

5.     Energy and Utilities: Optimizing operations, predicting equipment failures, and managing resources efficiently.

6.     Telecommunications: Monitoring network performance, managing traffic, and optimizing resources for telecom operators.

7.     Financial Institutes: Efficient data access and processing for banking, wealth management, and fraud detection

Hitachi UCP provides a reliable, flexible, and scalable infrastructure, while OpenShift GitOps (Argo CD) ensures consistency, security, and compliance across all sites. This winning combination is perfect for organizations requiring real-time analytics and significant onsite data storage capabilities, whether you're a DevOps engineer or an executive looking for your next success story. And who knows? It might even free up some time for that extra cup of coffee!

Background: GitOps to the Rescue in Modern DevOps

Are you tired of manual testing and deployment processes dragging you down? GitOps comes to the rescue, transforming cumbersome workflows into efficient, automated processes that enhance software development, collaboration, and quality.

OpenShift GitOps, a continuous delivery tool built on top of Argo CD, brings the power of GitOps to Kubernetes applications. It operates declaratively, ensuring that applications always run in their desired state. Argo CD, part of the Argo project suite, is designed to make Kubernetes application delivery scalable and secure.

With tools like OpenShift GitOps and Argo CD in your arsenal, you can manage applications and infrastructure as code, automating deployments for faster, more reliable delivery. It's like having a magic wand for efficiency, operational confidence, and regulatory compliance.

The GitOps-Driven framework on UCP with OpenShift

We are delighted to introduce a simple GitOps-driven framework that unites OpenShift GitOps (Argo CD), Kubernetes Database Operator (CrunchyData Postgres Operator as an example in this blog), GitHub, Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform (VSP), and Hitachi Storage Plug-in for Containers. This powerful combination streamlines the entire database deployment process, offering unparalleled efficiency and adaptability.

This framework uses Argo CD to fetch configurations from a Git repository, allowing easy deployment, scaling, and modification of PostgreSQL databases through the Kubernetes operator (CrunchyData PostgreSQL). Meanwhile, Hitachi Storage Plug-in for Containers and VSP automatically allocate persistent storage volumes, ensuring a seamless deployment process. Plus, it's adaptable for other databases operating on Kubernetes on UCP! Below are the components

The Role of Kubernetes Operators

Think of Kubernetes as your software application's manager. It ensures your applications are running smoothly on a cluster and scaling according to demand. Kubernetes Operators are the specialists of this system - experts who automate and simplify complex tasks.

Technically, a Kubernetes Operator packages, deploys, and manages a Kubernetes application. For these applications to fully leverage Kubernetes, they need to comply with the same principles as other Kubernetes applications, which the Operator pattern encapsulates.

Leveraging OpenShift GitOps (Argo CD)

OpenShift GitOps (Argo CD) plays a vital role in our framework by acting as a powerful engine for Kubernetes continuous delivery. This declarative, Git-based tool enables automated synchronization of cluster state with the desired state declared in a Git repository.

Argo CD gives you the confidence of knowing your Kubernetes deployment is reproducible, as it is described entirely through your Git repositories. Moreover, it allows you to leverage Git's versioning capabilities, enabling easy rollback and auditing of changes.

The automated synchronization process of Argo CD, coupled with the robust control mechanisms of Git, means that you're always a step ahead in maintaining infrastructure stability and consistency. That's a game-changer in the realm of application lifecycle management.

Crunchy Data’s Postgres Operator

We anchored our framework with Crunchy Data's Postgres Operator. This open-source powerhouse, trusted by the community, makes managing PostgreSQL clusters on Kubernetes easy. Also, PostgreSQL is one of the world's most favored databases, known for its reliability and adaptability.

Pairing this operator with OpenShift GitOps (Argo CD) and UCP infrastructure, we create a versatile framework for efficient and secure database management on-prem. But here's the best part - this pattern isn't just for PostgreSQL. You can apply it to other databases on Kubernetes, expanding its benefits across your entire data ecosystem.

Hitachi Unified Compute Platform CI and Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform

Our GitOps framework leverages Hitachi Unified Compute Platform CI and Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform, forming a reliable, high-performance infrastructure. These systems are specifically designed to accelerate decision-making processes, provide robust storage capabilities, and ensure constant performance, which make them ideal for hosting modern data applications like PostgreSQL.

Hitachi Storage Plug-in for Containers

The cornerstone of our framework is the Hitachi Storage Plug-in for Containers. It enables Kubernetes to work hand-in-hand with Hitachi storage systems, employing the Container Storage Interface (CSI) for seamless integration. This plug-in facilitates dynamic provisioning of virtual storage software block systems for Kubernetes and Red Hat OpenShift container platforms, contributing to the overall efficiency and adaptability of our GitOps framework. So whether it's PostgreSQL or any other database running on Kubernetes on UCP, the process is streamlined and efficient.

The Reference Architecture

Figure – a PostgreSQL database deployed

Hitachi Vantara’s UCP team has created a reference architecture that details this pattern, including step-by-step instructions for deploying a PostgreSQL database using the components outlined above. You can find the full document here: GitOps-Driven Modern Database Deployment on UCP with OpenShift: An Example Using OpenShift GitOps to Deploy PostgreSQL Reference Architecture Guide - Hitachi Vantara Knowledge

Conclusion

This GitOps-driven framework combines Kubernetes, Argo CD (OpenShift GitOps), PostgreSQL Operator, GitHub, Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform (VSP), and Hitachi Storage Plug-in for Containers to streamline the entire process. By embracing this framework, organizations can deploy and manage databases on Kubernetes with ease, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks like feature development and performance optimization.

With tools like OpenShift GitOps and Argo CD in your corner, you can automate deployments for faster delivery - it's almost like having your own team of DevOps wizards! This simple, yet comprehensive, solution offers improved efficiency, consistency, scalability, and security, making it a must-have for any organization looking to supercharge their database management capabilities.

So, go ahead and unleash the power of GitOps on Hitachi UCP with OpenShift, and watch as your database management challenges transform into smooth, streamlined processes. And don't forget to enjoy that extra cup of coffee – you've earned it!

References

■      GitOps-Driven Modern Database Deployment on UCP with OpenShift: An Example Using OpenShift GitOps to Deploy PostgreSQL Reference Architecture Guide - Hitachi Vantara Knowledge

■      Hitachi Storage Plug-in for Containers

https://knowledge.hitachivantara.com/Documents/Adapters_and_Drivers/ Storage_Adapters_and_Drivers/Containers/Storage_Plug-in_for_Containers

■      Argo CD Getting Started Guide

https://argo-cd.readthedocs.io/en/stable/getting_started/

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