Mirantis k0rdent unifies AI, VM & container workloads at scale

Mirantis has released updates to its k0rdent platform, introducing unified management capabilities for both containerised and virtual machine (VM) workloads aimed at supporting high-performance AI pipelines, modern microservices, and legacy applications.

The new k0rdent Enterprise and k0rdent Virtualization offerings utilise a Kubernetes-native model to unify the management of AI, containerised, and VM-based workloads. By providing a single control plane, Mirantis aims to simplify operational complexity and reduce the need for multiple siloed tools when handling diverse workload requirements.

k0rdent's unified infrastructure management allows organisations to manage AI services, containers, and VM workloads seamlessly within one environment. The platform leverages Kubernetes orchestration to automate the provisioning, scaling, and recovery of both containers and VMs, helping deliver consistent performance at scale.

The platform also offers improved resource utilisation by automating the scheduling of computing and storage resources for various workloads through dynamic allocation. According to the company, this optimisation contributes to more efficient operations and cost control across modern and traditional application environments.

Organisations can benefit from faster deployment cycles as k0rdent provides declarative infrastructure and self-service templates for containers and VMs. These features are designed to reduce delays typically associated with provisioning and deployment, allowing teams to accelerate time-to-value for projects.

Enhanced portability and flexibility form a key part of the platform's approach. Workloads, including AI applications and microservices, can run alongside traditional VM-based applications on public cloud, private data centres, or hybrid infrastructure, without requiring refactoring. This capability aims to support a wide range of operational strategies and application modernisation efforts.

Shaun O'Meara, Chief Technology Officer at Mirantis, stated, "Organisations are navigating a complex mix of legacy systems and emerging AI demands. k0rdent Enterprise and k0rdent Virtualization are delivering a seamless path to unified, Kubernetes-native AI infrastructure, enabling faster deployment, easier compliance, and reduced risk across any public, private, hybrid, or edge environment."

With the new updates, platform engineers can define, deploy, and operate Kubernetes-based infrastructure using declarative automation, GitOps workflows, and validated templates from the Mirantis ecosystem. The solution is built on k0s, an open source CNCF Sandbox Kubernetes distribution, which Mirantis says enables streamlined infrastructure management and supports digital transformation initiatives across enterprises.

k0rdent Virtualization, which operates on Mirantis k0rdent Enterprise, is positioned as an alternative to VMware tools such as vSphere, ESXi, and vRealize. This is intended to facilitate enterprises seeking to modernise application portfolios or expand edge computing infrastructure, including the integration of AI and cloud-native workloads, while retaining support for legacy infrastructure.

The platform supports distributed workloads running across a variety of environments. It enables platform engineering teams to manage Kubernetes clusters at scale, build tailored internal developer platforms, and maintain compliance and operational consistency. k0rdent offers composable features through declarative automation, centralised policy enforcement, and deployment templates that can be used with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), vSphere, and OpenStack.

Mirantis provides k0rdent Enterprise and k0rdent Virtualization directly and via channel partners to meet the needs of organisations managing distributed and AI-driven workloads.