Microsoft Azure Arc Enabled Kubernetes

Managing Kubernetes clusters across different environments can be complex. Azure Arc-enabled Kubernetes makes it easy by letting you connect and manage clusters running anywhere -on premises, edge, or other clouds-right from the Azure Portal.

In this article, we'll show you how to get started with Azure Arc, register your cluster, and use Azure tools like Monitor, Policy, and GitOps to manage it all from one place.  

Why Use Azure Arc-Enabled Kubernetes

Before learning the implementation steps, it's important to understand why using Azure Arc to connect Kubernetes clusters outside Azure offers immense benefits. This functionality enables a unified management plane that lets you monitor, enforce policies, and deploy applications across your hybrid and multi-cloud environments. With Kubernetes at the heart of modern application deployments, managing clusters outside of Azure with the same Azure tools you use for your Azure-native clusters simplifies operations and enhances consistency across your infrastructure.

Implementation of Azure Arc-Enabled Kubernetes: Step by Step

Step 1: Search and Navigate to Azure Arc

• Search for Kubernetes in the Azure Portal search bar.
• Once the Search results appear, select the Kubernetes Azure Arc option. This will take you to the overview of all your on-premises or external Kubernetes clusters that have already been registered with Azure Arc.

Step 2: Register a New Cluster with Azure Arc

• Click on the Register Button to initiate the process of adding a new Kubernetes cluster.
• The cluster registration blade will appear. Azure will list prerequisites you need to address before proceeding. Make sure your Kubernetes environment is properly prepared for integration.

Step 3: Provide Cluster Information

• Name the Cluster: You need to create a unique name to represent your Kubernetes cluster in Azure. This name doesn’t have to match the actual cluster name but should be something meaningful for identification.
• Choose Cluster Location: Specify where this cluster will be located within Azure. You may also use physical location tags to represent the actual physical location of your cluster, such as the Boston Data Center.
• Proxy Configuration (if necessary): If your cluster is behind a proxy, you will need to enter additional information. Otherwise, you can skip this step and proceed.

Step 4: Install the Azure Arc Agent

At this stage, you will download a script that will install the Azure Arc agent on your on-premises cluster. The agent facilitates communication between your Kubernetes cluster and Azure.

• Download the script provided by Azure.
• Run the script on your on-premises cluster. This will install the Azure Arc agent and connect the cluster to Azure.

Step 5: Verify Registration on the Portal

After the agent is installed, you can verify the connection by returning to the Azure Portal. Once the cluster is registered successfully, the “Go to the cluster” button will be enabled, allowing you to view and manage your cluster within Azure.

Now, you can use the left-side resource menu to discover the various capabilities that Azure has to offer to manage this cluster. For example, if you go to the Insights tab, you can set up monitoring of your cluster using Azure Monitor for containers. Or you can go to the GitOps tab and set up the GitOps capability which will help me deploy the applications and configuration to your cluster. You can even go to this policies tab using which you will be able to use Azure Policies for your Kubernetes. Or, you can go to the security tab and check if there are any security recommendations for your cluster.

Hence, this is how you can get started with Azure Arc-enabled Kubernetes in the Azure Portal.

Managing your Cluster form Azure Portal

Once your Cluster is connected to Azure, you can manage it directly from the Azure Portal. Let's explore some of the key management options available.

View Cluster Details

• Cluster Overview: In the cluster details view, you can find information like the Kubernetes distribution, version, and infrastructure.
• Key Insights: You can use the Azure Portal’s left-side menu to access various tools and features designed to manage your cluster.

Key Azure Tools for Cluster Management

• Azure Monitor: Set up monitoring to keep track of your Kubernetes cluster’s performance and health using Azure Monitor for Containers.
• GitOps: Enable the GitOps tab to automate application deployments and configurations to your Kubernetes cluster.
• Azure Policies: Use the Policies tab to apply governance policies to your cluster, ensuring that all resources comply with best practices.
• Security: Visit the Security tab to view any security recommendations and ensure your Kubernetes cluster is protected.

Conclusion

Using Azure Arc-enabled Kubernetes, you can manage Kubernetes clusters running outside of Azure just as easily as you manage Azure-native clusters. This unified management experience brings powerful Azure tools to your hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Whether your clusters are running on-premises, on the edge, or in another cloud, Azure Arc allows you to consistently monitor, govern, and deploy across all of them, increasing operational efficiency and reducing complexity.

Start using Azure Arc for Kubernetes today, and simplify the management of your Kubernetes clusters, regardless of where they are hosted!