How To Integrate a Container Management Platform Into Your Existing Hybrid IT Infrastructure

Share
Share

Hybrid IT container management platforms help enterprises streamline application deployment and improve scalability as they adopt cloud native technologies. Achieving these benefits requires a solution that seamlessly integrates with existing IT infrastructure. 

With the right platform, you can unify container and infrastructure management across multiple environments without disruption. Your team will have the freedom to focus on innovation while maintaining performance, security, and operational efficiency.

 

What To Consider Before You Integrate a Container Management PlatformIllustration depicting an enterprise container management platform

When considering how to integrate a container management platform, start with your legacy systems. They may not have the flexibility to support modern containerized applications. To ensure compatibility, start by conducting a comprehensive review of your infrastructure to identify gaps in compatibility. 

In some cases, you may choose a platform like SUSE Rancher Prime that supports legacy and modern infrastructure. It gives you the ability to manage containers and infrastructure on the same platform, no matter where they are. No need to choose between legacy and modern platforms; transition at your own pace. 

Operating in hybrid or multi-cloud environments can also complicate container management platform integration. The key is to ensure flexibility and avoid vendor lock-in. You can use platforms like Kubernetes to support multiple cloud providers and ensure consistency. Implementing open source tools like SUSE Rancher Prime and SUSE Virtualization can help maintain flexibility and interoperability. 

There are also networking and security considerations. Equally important is ensuring consistent monitoring and logging of container activities to detect and respond to potential threats in real-time. Likewise, implement encryption protocols for data in transit and at rest to safeguard sensitive, confidential information. A zero trust security approach can also help to minimize vulnerabilities. This approach enforces strict authentication and limits permissions based on least privilege principles.

 

Overcoming Common Challenges in Container Management Integration

Below, you’ll find some of the most common integration challenges and potential solutions to help streamline the transition to containerized infrastructure. 

Challenge 1: Integrating With Existing DevOps Practices

Align existing DevOps processes with container orchestration tools. Consider integrating Kubernetes with CI/CD pipelines to make application deployment and management more efficient. 

Challenge 2: Managing Legacy Applications

You can modernize your current legacy applications by using containers and microservices. This will allow you to break up monolithic applications into smaller components without having to completely overhaul your IT infrastructure. SUSE Rancher Prime is also critical for managing legacy applications. Containers and VMs can live alongside each other, making for a smoother transition. 

Challenge 3: Data Storage and Persistence

To manage data across cloud and on-premises environments, use a storage orchestration tool. These tools can help you make sure data is available when needed and accurate. 

Challenge 4: Observability, Monitoring, and Logging

To maintain performance and diagnose any issues, you need visibility. Monitoring tools can help you track metrics and logs across multiple containers and lower the mean time to resolution (MTTR). Look for centralized tools that can monitor your whole platform to keep issues and resolutions efficiently. 

 

Strategies for Seamless Container Platform Integration

If your organization is already using Kubernetes, a cloud native solution like SUSE Rancher Prime can elevate your container management strategy. SUSE Rancher Prime centralizes operations so you can get more out of your Kubernetes environment while simplifying daily management at scale. Other benefits include:

  • Unified multi-cluster management: Seamlessly manage multiple Kubernetes clusters across on-premises, cloud and edge environments from a single platform.
  • Enhanced scalability and governance: Implement consistent policies, role-based access controls and security standards across all clusters.
  • Optimized application delivery: Use integrated tools to streamline workload deployments and ensure high availability.

 

Success Stories of Container Platform Integration with SUSE Rancher Prime

Many enterprises have successfully integrated cloud native platforms to enhance their operations. Companies using SUSE Rancher Prime have achieved increased scalability and flexibility through a unified management platform. Below, you’ll find two recent success stories.

BMWIllustration representing IT in the automotive industry

Luxury vehicle and motorcycle manufacturer, BMW uses advanced data and AI capabilities to improve operational efficiency. BMW has achieved continuous data management across the production lifecycle by digitizing factories and integrating cloud and edge computing. They’ve collaborated with SUSE and leveraged open source solutions to break down silos and move innovation forward. 

Hyundai

Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) has transformed its vehicles into Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs) and achieved its vision of All-Connected Cars by 2024. With SUSE Rancher Primer, HMC has achieved a 99.95% SLA for Kubernetes services. The partnership with SUSE has also allowed the HMC to focus on cutting-edge innovation over maintenance. 

 

Illustration depicting SUSE Rancher Prime and container managementScale and Innovate With SUSE Rancher Prime

Integrating a container management platform in your existing IT infrastructure can transform and modernize your enterprise. Doing so seamlessly starts by addressing compatibility issues, ensuring security, and leaning on best practices. For enterprises that want to tap into the full potential of containerized applications, SUSE Rancher Prime is here to help. 

Through enterprise-grade support and the simplification of Kubernetes management, SUSE Rancher Primer can help your enterprise scale and innovate with ease. Learn more about SUSE Rancher Prime

Share
(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)
Avatar photo
151 views
Ivan Tarin Product Marketing Manager at SUSE, specializing in Enterprise Container Management and Kubernetes solutions. With experience in software development and technical marketing, Ivan bridges the gap between technology and strategic business initiatives, ensuring SUSE's offerings are at the forefront of innovation and effectively meet the complex needs of global enterprises.