Announcing Kong Operator 2.1

Kong Operator 2.1 introduces significant updates for Kubernetes customers, enhancing integration into the Kong ecosystem by allowing full utilization of Kong Konnect's features like the Dev Portal, Service Catalog, and Gateway Debugger while maintaining Kubernetes as the source of configuration authority. It supports cross-namespace references for Plugins and secrets, continuing the persona-driven architecture of the Kubernetes Gateway API. This release facilitates a seamless transition from NGINX Ingress with enterprise-supported options and introduces an open-source migration tool to help users adapt from NGINX Ingress to Kong Ingress or Gateway API, optimizing infrastructure support and management. The update aims to streamline deployments, improve security, and provide real-time insights, offering a personalized walkthrough for better adaptation to specific architecture and use case needs.