A few months ago, we announced the release of a set of Bitnami solutions packaged in the form of Azure Marketplace Kubernetes (AKS) applications.
We are proud to continue our partnership with Azure, taking a step forward to provide users with the latest, most convenient, and secure method to install software on Kubernetes: Azure Kubernetes applications. These applications replace Bitnami’s prior offerings of Helm charts and container images in the Azure Marketplace to simplify the provisioning of AKS clusters, enabling one-click deployments directly from the Azure Marketplace user interface (UI). Furthermore, users can install Kubernetes apps using the CLI, providing flexibility in deployment methods according on their needs.
Keep reading to learn the benefits of deploying Azure Kubernetes applications packaged by Bitnami and how to get started through the Azure Marketplace.
What are Azure Kubernetes applications?
Azure Kubernetes applications, introduced by Microsoft Cloud Marketplace for AKS in 2022, that enable partners to develop, release, and manage Kubernetes solutions for the Microsoft Azure marketplace. This new offering brings seamless deployment to the Azure Kubernetes Service along with flexible billing options.
These Kubernetes applications are packaged using Cloud Native Application Bundles (CNAB), an open source package format specification for bundling and installing distributed applications adopted by notable open source software providers such as Isovalent, Cast AI, Weaveworks, and Bitnami.
There are many benefits for Microsoft Azure partners when packaging their Helm charts and containers as Kubernetes applications, but let’s see how these translate into advantages for users.
Streamlined deployment of open source solutions
Previously, deploying Bitnami Helm charts on Azure Kubernetes Service was a tedious task that involved many steps going back and forth between the terminal and the Azure Marketplace UI.
Now with Azure Kubernetes Applications, both the deployment and lifecycle management of applications is much simpler, enhancing the productivity of development and operations teams.
Simplified configuration and deployment
Development environments on Azure Marketplace and Bitnami-packaged open- source applications come with the necessary dependencies and pre-configurations to deploy them with the assurance of working out-of-the-box without the need for additional configurations. Added to this, Azure Kubernetes applications simplify the process of provisioning and deploying an application on an AKS cluster.
Now, run an AKS cluster and deploy a Kubernetes application is as simple as activating a checkbox and entering a few parameters in the UI. Furthermore, in the same process you will be able to resolve all dependencies, set the application parameters, and automate its upgrades, all in one go.
Streamlined Day 2 operations
Azure Marketplace Kubernetes applications automate application lifecycle management, including the ability to enable automated minor upgrades at deployment time, ensuring users always have the latest application version without additional effort.
Stronger security
Selecting a "Kubernetes application packaged by Bitnami" in the Azure Marketplace ensures you receive the latest version of the application, packaged with industry-standard security best practices. Additionally, all new packages undergo CVE scanning to identify critical vulnerabilities before being published. If critical vulnerabilities are detected, the application won't be published until Bitnami resolves the issue by updating the application code to the latest upstream version, mitigating risks associated with using open source software.
Reduced billing and consumption
All Bitnami applications available in the Azure Marketplace are free.
Get started with Azure Kubernetes applications packaged by Bitnami through the Azure Marketplace
To get Bitnami solutions packaged as Azure Kubernetes applications, follow the steps below:
- Navigate to the Azure portal and click “Marketplace”.
- In the search bar, enter “Bitnami”. In the resulting screen you will see a list of all the solutions offered by Bitnami. (Optionally, you can get a list of all Kubernetes applications available in the Azure Marketplace by searching for “kubernetesapp”).
- In the left-side menu, filter by “Containers”. It will display all the Bitnami solutions available as Kubernetes applications. The following example shows how to deploy NGINX Open Source packaged by Bitnami, but as you can see in the video at the end of this section, there are many other applications available that are equally easy to set up.
The following video guides you step-by-step through the process of provisioning an AKS cluster and deploying NGINX Open Source packaged by Bitnami using Azure Marketplace Kubernetes applications.
Deploying NGINX Open Source packaged by Bitnami using Azure Marketplace Kubernetes Applications
Deploy an Azure Kubernetes application packaged by Bitnami using Azure CLI
Alternatively, users can opt to deploy Azure Kubernetes applications by using Azure CLI. Let’s continue with the NGINX Open Source packaged by Bitnami example.
Once you have filled out all the application (extension) details, in the “Review + Create” screen, select the option “View automation template”. If all validations are passed, you will see the ARM template in the editor.
Examine the ARM template to copy some values you will need when running the command to accept the Kubernetes application terms and agreements as described in the following guide:
Deploy an Azure Kubernetes application programmatically by using Azure CLI
After performing those steps, you will be able to deploy the application as usual following the steps described in the Deploy and manage cluster extensions by using Azure CLI guide.
Support and resources
Azure Kubernetes applications offer an enhanced user experience by providing a fully integrated deployment process through the Azure Marketplace, which wasn't possible with Helm charts and container image listings. Therefore, we have discontinued the availability of Bitnami Helm charts and container images through the Azure Marketplace.
To learn more about Bitnami charts and Kubernetes applications in the Azure Marketplace, refer to the links below:
- Get Started With Bitnami Charts Using Azure Marketplace Kubernetes Applications
- Deploy and manage a Kubernetes application from Azure Marketplace
- Deploy an Azure Kubernetes application programmatically by using Azure CLI
- Deploy and manage cluster extensions by using Azure CLI
- Azure Kubernetes Service official documentation
- Understanding Cloud Native Application Bundles (CNAB) | Microsoft Learn
- CNAB: Cloud Native Application Bundles
To address problems you might have with Kubernetes applications packaged by Bitnami, please contact the Bitnami or the Azure teams through either of the links below:
If you are still subscribed to solutions not packaged as Kubernetes applications in Azure Marketplace, you can get the latest version of the application directly from the Bitnami public repositories for Helm charts and containers.
In line with our commitment of meeting our users' needs, Bitnami and Azure teams are actively collaborating to bring more solutions packaged as Kubernetes applications to the Azure Marketplace. Stay tuned for updates!