Axual Kafka README

Overview

Axual Kafka is a Helm chart designed to deploy and manage a Strimzi-based Axual Kafka cluster with Kraft (Kafka Raft) mode for easy scalability and high performance. This chart simplifies the provisioning of Kafka clusters and related resources, making it highly customizable to suit diverse use cases.

Features

Kafka Kraft Support: Leverage Kafka’s built-in Raft protocol, eliminating the need for Zookeeper in your deployments.
Highly Configurable:
- Support for custom Kafka and Zookeeper metrics.
- Advanced logging configurations (inline or external).
- Optional Cruise Control for Kafka optimization.
- Simple authorization with support for super users.
Observability:
- Built-in Prometheus metrics for Kafka and Zookeeper.
- Pre-configured Prometheus rules and alerts.
- Integration with JMX Prometheus Exporter for fine-grained monitoring.
Template Expansion:
- Ability to extend Kafka or Zookeeper configurations using native Helm templating.
SSL & Security:
- Cluster CA and client CA management.
- SSL/TLS configuration for secure Kafka communication.

Prerequisites

Before using this chart, ensure the following are in place:

Helm: Version 3 or above.
Kubernetes Cluster: v1.22+ for compatibility with custom resource definitions (CRDs).
Strimzi Operator: The Kafka Custom Resource and related operations are managed by Strimzi. Install the Strimzi operator in your Kubernetes cluster.

Installation

Log into the Axual Harbor Registry

helm registry login -u [your-user] registry.axual.io/axual-charts

Download the Dependencies

helm dependency update

Install Strimzi Operator

Check the versions you need from the Strimzi downloads page: https://strimzi.io/downloads/.

helm upgrade --install strimzi strimzi/strimzi-kafka-operator \
--version=0.43.0 \
--namespace kafka \
--set watchAnyNamespace=true \
--set kafka.image.registry=registry.axual.io \
--set kafka.image.repository=axual/streaming/strimzi \
--set image.imagePullSecrets='axualdockercred'