Using Satellite, it’s possible to create a unified and scalable platform that enables the consistent deployment and management of cloud-native applications across data centers and edge locations, reducing complexity in hybrid cloud.
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In the era of digital transformation, many enterprises are looking for ways to leverage the benefits of cloud computing while still maintaining their on-premises infrastructure. There is a solution designed to address this need by extending cloud services to corporate data centers and edge locations.
At its core, Satellite introduces the concept of a Satellite Location, which is essentially a pool of compute and storage resources that are managed by Satellite as an extension of the cloud. Customers can provide their own hardware, such as bare metal servers or virtual machines, which Satellite then integrates into the cloud environment. This allows for the management of these resources as if they were part of the IBM Cloud.
Setting up a Satellite Location involves several key considerations. A robust networking infrastructure, including firewalls and load balancers, is necessary to ensure a secure and stable environment. In my test environment, I used VMware NSX-T and VyOS to set up the network infrastructure. I added NSX-T segments, configured appropriate firewall rules, and set up NAT and firewall settings in VyOS. RHEL 8 is the recommended operating system for host machines, and sufficient CPU, memory, and storage resources should be allocated based on workload requirements. The Satellite host registration process, initiated through a script, collects essential host information and registers it with the Satellite service.
One of the primary use cases for Satellite Locations is the deployment of Red Hat OpenShift, an enterprise-grade Kubernetes platform. By deploying OpenShift on-premises, organizations can enable their developers to build and deploy applications using cloud-native methodologies while Satellite manages the underlying infrastructure. In my setup, I configured cluster administrator permissions, added the cluster to a group, and set up the internal registry. I also configured a webhook for Slack notifications.
Satellite also provides storage capabilities through its integration with OpenShift Data Foundation. This software-defined storage solution aggregates local disks, providing a unified platform for block, file, and object storage. I used OpenShift Data Foundation to configure storage using local disks. I created an IBM Cloud Object Storage service instance, obtained access keys, and selected an appropriate storage template. When creating the storage configuration, I specified device auto-discovery, OSD device paths, the number of replicas, worker nodes, and COS connection details.
Using Satellite, it’s possible to create a unified and scalable platform that enables the consistent deployment and management of cloud-native applications across data centers and edge locations, reducing complexity in hybrid cloud. With proper network and host setup, OpenShift clusters can be easily deployed, and persistent storage can be provisioned. Since it’s managed from the cloud, the complexity of Kubernetes and storage is hidden, while developers are provided with a familiar interface. In the journey towards hybrid multi-cloud, Satellite can be a reliable companion.
For enterprises pursuing a hybrid cloud strategy, IBM Cloud Satellite offers a pragmatic approach. It brings the agility and scalability of the cloud to existing infrastructure, facilitating application modernization efforts. By partnering with Red Hat OpenShift, Satellite delivers a consistent PaaS experience across diverse environments, enabling organizations to innovate more efficiently.
As the technology landscape continues to evolve, IBM Cloud Satellite provides a valuable tool for enterprises navigating the complexities of hybrid cloud. With its focus on flexibility, control, and consistency, Satellite can help organizations harness the full potential of their IT assets and support their digital transformation initiatives.