The customer requires Kubernetes-based application deployment within a new VCF 5.2 instance without additional licensing costs. VCF includes foundational components and optional features, some requiring separate licenses. Let’s evaluate each option:
Option A: Tanzu Mission ControlTanzu Mission Control (TMC) is a centralized management platform for Kubernetes clusters across environments. It’s a SaaS offering requiring a separate subscription, not included in the base VCF license. TheVCF 5.2 Architectural Guideexcludes TMC from standard VCF features, making it incompatible with the no-budget constraint.
Option B: VCF EdgeVCF Edge refers to edge computing deployments (e.g., remote sites) using lightweight VCF instances. It’s not a Kubernetes-specific feature and doesn’t inherently provide Kubernetes capabilities without additional configuration or licensing (e.g., Tanzu). TheVCF 5.2 Administration Guidepositions VCF Edge as an architecture, not a Kubernetes solution.
Option C: Aria AutomationAria Automation (formerly vRealize Automation) provides cloud management and orchestration, including some Kubernetes integration via Tanzu Service Mesh or custom workflows. However, it’s an optional component in VCF, often requiring additional licensing beyond the base VCF bundle, per theVCF 5.2 Licensing Guide. It’s not mandatory for basic Kubernetes and violates the budget restriction.
Option D: IaaS control planeIn VCF 5.2, the IaaS control plane includes VMware Cloud Director or the native vSphere with Tanzu capability (via NSX and vSphere 7.x). vSphere with Tanzu, enabled through the Workload Management feature, provides a Supervisor Cluster for Kubernetes without additional licensing beyond VCF’s core components (vSphere, vSAN, NSX). TheVCF 5.2 Architectural Guideconfirms that vSphere with Tanzu is included in VCF editions supporting NSX, allowing Kubernetes-based application deployment (e.g., Tanzu Kubernetes Grid clusters) at no extra cost.
Conclusion:TheIaaS control plane (D), leveraging vSphere with Tanzu, meets the requirement for Kubernetes deployment within VCF 5.2’s existing licensing, satisfying the no-budget constraint.References:
VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2 Architectural Guide(docs.vmware.com): IaaS Control Plane and vSphere with Tanzu.
VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2 Administration Guide(docs.vmware.com): Workload Management Features.
VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2 Licensing Guide(docs.vmware.com): Included Components.
