February 2024 Summaries

Replicated has announced the Beta release of its new single-node embedded cluster, designed to improve the deployment of Kubernetes applications in environments without an existing Kubernetes cluster. This new version enhances the previous kURL installer by offering faster installation, fewer host dependencies, and broader operating system compatibility, while providing an appliance-like experience for enterprises. The embedded cluster abstracts Kubernetes to simplify installation and management, allowing most tasks to be handled through an intuitive admin console rather than a command line interface. This update facilitates easier on-premises application deployment and management, reducing the need for customers to understand Kubernetes intricacies. Future plans include support for air gap installations, enhancements to the multi-node experience, and migration options for existing kURL installations. Existing users are encouraged to update their versions to the latest releases, and integration with KOTS remains straightforward, allowing for seamless integration of current applications with the new embedded cluster.

Replicated's new custom metrics feature allows users to gather and analyze various customer instance metrics to better understand product usage, feature adoption, and potential risks like growth or churn. These metrics can be accessed through the vendor portal or exported to external systems via a CSV file. The setup requires the Replicated SDK and involves sending key-value data pairs, which can include numerical, string, or boolean values, to the SDK within the user's cluster. Custom metrics can be visualized as line charts for numerical data, and users can search, filter, and export this data for further analysis. The feature aims to benefit product, sales, customer success, engineering, and support teams by providing insights into customer environments and facilitating informed decision-making.

In February 2024, Replicated introduced several updates, including deploying KOTS on ARM nodes, enhancing the Compatibility Matrix, and improving the Vendor Portal. The release of KOTS v1.107.0 allows deployment on ARM-based Kubernetes clusters, catering to the growing prevalence of ARM processors. The Compatibility Matrix now supports K3s 1.29.0 and removes support for GKE 1.24. Enhancements to the Vendor Portal include better visibility of air gap build errors on channel cards and improved access to adoption rate details. Additionally, the product documentation has been revamped to align with the Software Development Lifecycle, offering new content, diagrams, and feature descriptions. These updates aim to streamline processes for vendors distributing software to self-hosted environments.