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WhaTap Operator

WhaTap Operator is an open-source Kubernetes operator that enables deployment and configuration of WhaTap agents in Kubernetes environments.

Using the operator, you can integrate and manage all features from K8s and GPU (MIG) monitoring to auto-instrumentation and OpenMetrics collection through a single custom resource (CRD). In this process, the operator automatically validates the resources to be deployed, minimizing the possibility of errors in complex configurations and supporting stable operations.

Key Features​

  • Deployment through Custom Resources: Deploy and manage WhaTap agents and related components using Kubernetes custom resources.

  • Simplified Deployment Configuration: Easily configure essential elements such as WhaTap agent version, resource requests/limits, and monitoring target registration in native Kubernetes resources.

  • Automatic APM Instrumentation: Automatically inject APM agents into specific pods using Kubernetes standard label selectors.

  • OpenMetrics Collection through Open Agent: Collect and utilize OpenMetrics data through Open Agent installation.

  • Integrated Monitoring Management: Configure and manage both application performance monitoring (APM) and Kubernetes infrastructure monitoring at once through a single CR, enhancing operational efficiency.

Goals of WhaTap Operator​

WhaTap Operator focuses on reducing the complexity of monitoring configuration and simplifying management in Kubernetes environments.

  • Reduced Effort in Agent Installation and Configuration: Significantly reduces the installation and management burden of WhaTap monitoring agents.

  • Automation through Kubernetes Native Resources: Automatically manage settings for WhaTap monitoring targets using Kubernetes CRD.

    apiVersion: monitoring.whatap.com/v2alpha1
    kind: WhatapAgent
    metadata:
      name: whatap
    spec:
      features:
        apm:
          instrumentation:
            targets:
              - name: "java-app"
                enabled: true
                language: "java"
                whatapApmVersions:
                  java: "2.2.58"
                # Selector configuration...
  • Configuration Abstraction and Validation: Simplifies complex monitoring configurations and supports standard Kubernetes selectors (matchLabels, matchExpressions). Additionally, configuration validation helps minimize errors and support stable operations.

Tip

Why use WhaTap Operator instead of Helm charts or manual DaemonSet installation?

While you can install WhaTap agents through Helm charts or DaemonSets, WhaTap Operator provides the following advantages.

1. Automatic State Reconciliation

While Helm charts or DaemonSets require manual intervention for state changes, WhaTap Operator is included in the Kubernetes reconciliation loop to continuously monitor and automatically adjust the CR's state. For example, if a resource created by the CR is accidentally deleted or changed, the operator detects it and automatically recovers to the state defined in the CR.

2. Minimized Configuration Errors

Manual installation methods have a high possibility of errors. WhaTap Operator performs thorough validation of agent configurations to minimize such errors.

3. Integrated Management

You can integrate and manage WhaTap monitoring component configurations within the K8s cluster in a single file, improving operational efficiency.

4. Kubernetes Standards Compliance

The operator is treated as a first-class resource in the Kubernetes API and fully supports Kubernetes standard label selectors. This allows flexible selection of monitoring targets using familiar Kubernetes patterns.

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