DataCater uses Redpanda and Java Quarkus to streamline the development and testing of Java-based streaming applications, offering a more efficient alternative to Apache Kafka by simplifying the CI/CD pipeline. Redpanda's lightweight architecture and fast startup times make it particularly well-suited for integration testing, reducing the time and size associated with traditional Kafka and ZooKeeper setups. By leveraging Redpanda's compatibility and ease of deployment, especially in Kubernetes environments, DataCater can rapidly configure and test Kafka workloads, enhancing their development workflow. The integration with Kubernetes is further facilitated by Redpanda's straightforward networking configuration, which contrasts with the more complex setup required for Kafka, allowing for seamless transitions across different development stages.