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GitLab Integration with Ankra

Overview​

Ankra offers seamless integration with GitLab to automate and streamline the deployment process for Kubernetes clusters. This integration allows organizations to set up GitLab CI/CD pipelines directly within their Kubernetes environment, enabling efficient continuous integration and delivery of applications. Once the GitLab integration is set up, the entire organization can benefit from it during the cluster creation process, making it a core part of the deployment workflow.

How It Works​

Step 1: GitLab Integration Setup by Admin​

  • Admin Initiation: A GitLab integration is initially created by an admin user in Ankra's platform. This integration connects Ankra's platform to the organization's GitLab account.
  • Organization-Wide Access: Once the integration is active, it becomes available to the entire organization. All users within the organization can leverage this GitLab integration when they create Kubernetes clusters in Ankra.

Step 2: Cluster Creation with Predefined Add-ons​

  • User Initiates Cluster Creation: During the cluster creation process, the user selects from a number of pre-defined add-ons. These add-ons come with predefined inputs to guide users down a golden path, ensuring the cluster setup follows best practices.
  • Pre-configured Cluster: Ankra handles the cluster setup and ensures the installation of a vanilla Kubernetes environment, alongside the chosen add-ons.

Step 3: GitLab Integration in Action​

Once the user creates their cluster:

  • GitLab Runner Token: Ankra automatically communicates with the previously integrated GitLab instance to create a GitLab Runner token.
  • GitLab Installation: Ankra installs a GitLab Runner on the newly created cluster, enabling continuous deployment capabilities.

Step 4: Automatic Configuration and Commit​

  • Configuration Commit: Ankra commits the cluster's configuration, including all selected add-ons, to the integrated GitLab instance.
  • Pre-defined Managed Add-ons: The configuration uses Ankra's pre-defined managed add-ons, ensuring consistency across deployments.
  • Automatic Trigger: Once the configuration is committed, Ankra automatically triggers the deployment pipeline towards the created cluster.

Step 5: Cluster Availability​

  • Wait Time: After submitting the cluster creation request, the user waits a few minutes for Ankra to complete the setup process.
  • Direct Access: Once the setup is complete, users can access their cluster directly via Ankra's platform, with the GitLab Runner and all selected add-ons ready for use.

Benefits​

  1. Seamless Integration: With GitLab fully integrated into Ankra, the cluster creation process becomes streamlined, with automated CI/CD capabilities directly embedded into your Kubernetes environment.
  2. Golden Path Configuration: Users are guided through the cluster setup using best-practice configurations and pre-defined inputs, minimizing errors and ensuring consistency.
  3. Automatic Triggering: Cluster configurations and add-on setups are committed to GitLab, with automatic triggers that ensure the deployment pipeline is started without manual intervention.
  4. Efficiency and Speed: From cluster creation to full access, the entire process is efficient, allowing users to quickly move from cluster creation to deployment.