In the evolving landscape of cloud computing and infrastructure management, organizations are constantly seeking tools that simplify deployment processes, enhance collaboration, and provide consistency across multiple cloud providers. Project Planton and Planton Cloud are two solutions designed to address these needs, each offering unique features and value propositions.

This document provides a detailed comparison between Project Planton and Planton Cloud, highlighting their key components, functionalities, and the additional value that Planton Cloud brings to organizations beyond what is offered by the open-source Project Planton.

Project Planton: An Overview

Project Planton is an open-source framework aimed at providing a consistent and simplified deployment experience across various cloud providers and platforms like Kubernetes. It achieves this through a combination of standardized APIs, default Pulumi modules, and a command-line interface (CLI) that ties everything together.

Key Components of Project Planton

1. MURM APIs (Multi-Cloud Unified Resource Model APIs):

   • Based on the Kubernetes Resource Model (KRM), MURM APIs provide a standardized way to define and manage resources across different cloud providers.
   • These APIs are defined using Protocol Buffers (protobuf), ensuring strong typing, validation, and consistency.
   • They form the backbone of Project Planton, enabling a unified approach to resource configuration.

2. Default Pulumi Modules:

   • For each deployment component (e.g., Redis on Kubernetes, GCS Bucket), there is a corresponding default Pulumi module.
   • These modules are pre-written and maintained, encapsulating best practices and the necessary logic to deploy resources on specific cloud providers.
   • They save developers from the need to write their own infrastructure code from scratch.

3. Command-Line Interface (CLI):

   • The CLI acts as the glue between the MURM APIs and the Pulumi modules.
   • It understands the APIs, validates configuration manifests, and sets up the necessary inputs for the Pulumi modules.
   • It knows how to download and utilize the default modules, and allows for customization by specifying custom modules.

Benefits of Project Planton

• Consistent Deployment Experience:

  • Provides a unified method for deploying resources across different cloud providers and platforms.
  • Reduces the learning curve for developers, as they can use the same approach regardless of the target environment.

• Simplification of Complex Deployments:

  • Abstracts away the intricate details of each cloud provider’s deployment processes.
  • Developers can focus on defining what they want to deploy, rather than how to deploy it.

• Open-Source and Customizable:

  • Being open-source, it encourages community contributions and transparency.
  • Developers and DevOps engineers can fork and customize the default modules to suit specific needs.

• Validation and Error Handling:

  • The use of protobuf for API definitions allows for robust validation.
  • Errors and validation messages are clear, helping developers catch issues early.

Limitations of Project Planton

• No UI Dashboard:

  • Relies solely on YAML manifests and the CLI.
  • May not be ideal for organizations or developers who prefer a graphical interface.

• No Integrated CI/CD Pipelines:

  • Requires setting up separate CI/CD pipelines (e.g., using GitHub Actions) to automate deployments.
  • Additional overhead for DevOps teams to maintain these pipelines.

• Lack of Centralized Resource Management:

  • Does not provide a centralized view or management of deployed resources.
  • Teams may need to navigate multiple repositories or systems to track deployments.

Planton Cloud: An Integrated Platform Built on Project Planton

Planton Cloud builds upon the foundation provided by Project Planton, offering an integrated, enterprise-grade platform that enhances deployment processes, collaboration, and resource management. It addresses the limitations of Project Planton by introducing several key features and functionalities.

Key Value Additions of Planton Cloud

1. User Interface (UI) Dashboard with Deployment Component Store:

   • Visual Configuration:
     • Provides a graphical interface where developers can define configurations using forms.
     • Eliminates the need to manually write YAML manifests, reducing the chance of syntax errors.
   • Deployment Component Store:
     • Lists all available deployment components, mirroring those defined in Project Planton.
     • Allows developers to explore and select components directly from the UI.
   • Integrated Experience:
     • Enables a seamless flow from component selection to configuration and deployment within the same platform.

2. Catalog on Canvas (Service Catalog and Resource Explorer):

   • Visual Representation of Resources:
     • Offers a Figma-like canvas displaying all deployed resources in an organized manner.
   • Environment Segmentation:
     • Resources are grouped by environments (e.g., development, staging, production).
   • Ownership and Metadata:
     • Displays information about resource owners, configurations, and statuses.
   • Ease of Navigation:
     • Facilitates quick access to resource details, configurations, and actions.

3. Built-In Zero-Configuration IaC CI/CD Pipelines (Stack Jobs):

   • Automated Deployment Pipelines:
     • Automatically triggers necessary Pulumi commands (preview, up, refresh, destroy) based on lifecycle events.
     • Eliminates the need for setting up external CI/CD tools like GitHub Actions.
   • Live Monitoring and Logs:
     • Provides real-time feedback and logs of deployment processes within the UI.
     • Developers can monitor progress and troubleshoot issues immediately.
   • Lifecycle Event Integration:
     • Stack jobs are tied to events such as resource creation, updates, and deletion.
   • Approval Workflows and Manual Controls:
     • Supports configurations that require manual approvals before applying changes.
     • Allows for pausing, resuming, or rerunning jobs as needed.

4. Pulumi Module Registry:

   • Centralized Module Management:
     • Hosts both default and custom Pulumi modules within the platform.
   • Module Discovery and Selection:
     • Developers can explore available modules and select them during deployment.
   • Custom Module Support:
     • Platform engineers can register custom modules, providing flexibility and promoting best practices within the organization.
   • Integration with Deployment Forms:
     • Modules are seamlessly integrated into the deployment process, with options presented in the UI forms.

5. Custom Stack Job Runners:

   • Execution Flexibility and Compliance:
     • Organizations can run stack jobs (CI/CD pipelines) on their own infrastructure.
     • Addresses compliance and security requirements by keeping execution within controlled environments.
   • Easy Deployment:
     • Stack job runners themselves are deployment components and can be set up via the UI.
   • Connection Management:
     • Planton Cloud provides mechanisms to connect and manage custom stack job runners.

6. Connections Management:

   • Centralized Credential Management:
     • Stores and manages credentials for AWS, GCP, Kubernetes, etc., in one place.
   • Secure Sharing and Access Control:
     • Credentials can be shared with specific environments or teams as needed.
     • Access is controlled through granular RBAC policies.

7. Kubernetes Day Two Operations:

   • Operational Tools Built-In:
     • Provides essential Kubernetes operations directly from the Planton Cloud UI.
     • Common tasks include restarting pods, editing deployments, viewing manifests, and more.
   • Log Access and Command Execution:
     • Developers can access logs and execute commands within pods from the browser.
   • No Credential Hassles:
     • Developers do not need to set up Kubernetes credentials; access is managed by Planton Cloud’s IAM system.
   • Permissions and Access Control:
     • Operations are permissioned based on resource ownership and team roles.

8. Auditability and Versioning:

   • Configuration Version History:
     • Maintains a detailed history of all configuration changes with timestamps and authors.
   • Git-Like Diffs:
     • Provides clear differences between versions, aiding in tracking changes and troubleshooting.
   • Infrastructure Diffs via Pulumi Previews:
     • Shows the impact of configuration changes on the underlying infrastructure.
   • Linked CI/CD Pipelines:
     • Associates configuration changes with the corresponding stack jobs for full traceability.
   • Compliance and Governance:
     • Enhances transparency, aiding in audits and compliance efforts.

9. Team Administration and Granular RBAC (Role-Based Access Control):

   • Fine-Grained Access Control:
     • Uses OpenFGA, based on Google’s Zanzibar design, to provide advanced permission management.
   • Team and Role Management:
     • Allows creation of teams (e.g., developers, operations) with specific roles and permissions.
   • Environment and Resource-Level Permissions:
     • Access can be controlled at both the environment level (e.g., production, staging) and at individual resource levels.
   • Credential and Connection Sharing:
     • Credentials and connections can be securely shared across teams and environments, with controlled access.

10. Integrated Microservices Support:

    • Configuration Management:
      • Centralizes management of environment variables, configurations, and secrets for microservices.
    • Secret Management Integration:
      • Seamlessly integrates with secret managers like AWS Secrets Manager and GCP Secret Manager.
    • Consistency Across Services:
      • Promotes reuse of configurations and reduces duplication.

11. Scalability and Compliance Features:

    • Enterprise-Grade Scalability:
      • Designed to handle large organizations with complex structures and compliance requirements.
    • Custom Deployment Options:
      • Planton Cloud itself can be deployed within an organization’s infrastructure if needed.
    • Compliance Support:
      • Features like custom stack job runners and centralized auditing aid in meeting regulatory requirements.

Comparing Project Planton and Planton Cloud

Deployment Experience

• Project Planton:

  • CLI-Based: Relies on command-line operations and manual YAML manifest management.
  • External CI/CD Required: Developers need to set up their own CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitHub Actions) to automate deployments.
  • Customization Overhead: While customizable, it requires more effort to manage and maintain custom modules and pipelines.

• Planton Cloud:

  • UI-Based: Offers a graphical interface with forms and dashboards, reducing reliance on CLI.
  • Integrated CI/CD: Built-in, zero-configuration pipelines automate deployment processes without additional setup.
  • Simplified Customization: Central registries and management tools streamline the use of custom modules and resources.

Resource Management and Visibility

• Project Planton:

  • Decentralized Management: Lacks a centralized view of deployed resources; tracking requires navigating multiple repositories.
  • Limited Visibility: No built-in tools for visualizing resources or their relationships.

• Planton Cloud:

  • Catalog on Canvas: Provides a centralized, visual representation of all resources, grouped by environments.
  • Resource Explorer: Facilitates easy navigation, ownership identification, and configuration access.

Team Collaboration and Access Control

• Project Planton:

  • Basic Collaboration: Relies on standard Git-based collaboration methods.
  • Manual Access Control: Permissions are managed through code repositories and may lack granularity.

• Planton Cloud:

  • Advanced RBAC: Offers granular access control down to individual resources.
  • Team Administration: Enables creation of teams with specific roles, enhancing collaboration while maintaining security.
  • Shared Credentials and Connections: Centralized management and controlled sharing streamline collaboration.

Operational Capabilities

• Project Planton:

  • Manual Operations: Developers must use Kubernetes commands or other tools for operational tasks.
  • No Integrated Monitoring: Lacks built-in tools for logs, monitoring, or day-two operations.

• Planton Cloud:

  • Day Two Operations: Provides built-in tools for common operational tasks on Kubernetes resources.
  • Logs and Exec Access: Direct access to logs and the ability to execute commands within pods from the UI.

Auditability and Compliance

• Project Planton:

  • Limited Auditing: Relies on version control systems for tracking changes.
  • No Integrated Compliance Tools: Compliance efforts require additional tools and processes.

• Planton Cloud:

  • Comprehensive Audit Trails: Maintains detailed logs of all actions, configuration changes, and infrastructure impacts.
  • Compliance Support: Features like custom stack job runners and detailed auditing aid in meeting regulatory requirements.

Use Case Scenarios

Scenario 1: A Startup with Limited Resources

• Project Planton:

  • Pros:
    • Open-source and free to use.
    • Simplifies multi-cloud deployments with a consistent approach.
  • Cons:
    • Requires setting up CI/CD pipelines.
    • No UI; relies on CLI and YAML files.
    • Limited team collaboration features.

• Planton Cloud:

  • Pros:
    • Offers an easy-to-use UI, reducing the learning curve.
    • Built-in CI/CD pipelines save time and effort.
    • Centralized resource management aids in organization.
  • Cons:
    • May involve costs associated with the platform.
    • Might offer more features than needed for a small team.

Scenario 2: An Enterprise with Complex Structures and Compliance Needs

• Project Planton:

  • Pros:
    • Customizable and extensible through code.
  • Cons:
    • Lacks advanced RBAC and compliance features.
    • No centralized management or auditing tools.
    • Requires significant effort to set up and maintain custom CI/CD pipelines.

• Planton Cloud:

  • Pros:
    • Advanced RBAC and team management meet security and compliance requirements.
    • Centralized auditing and compliance features support regulatory needs.
    • Scalable to handle complex organizational structures.
    • Custom stack job runners allow deployments to stay within controlled environments.
  • Cons:
    • May require onboarding and training to utilize all features effectively.

Insights and Value Proposition of Planton Cloud Over Alternatives

• Unified Experience Across Clouds and Platforms:

  • Planton Cloud provides a truly unified deployment experience, not just across different cloud providers but also integrating Kubernetes and other platforms seamlessly.
  • The consistent approach reduces cognitive load and learning curves for developers and operations teams.

• Reduction of Operational Overhead:

  • By offering built-in CI/CD pipelines and centralized management, Planton Cloud significantly reduces the operational overhead associated with setting up and maintaining infrastructure deployment processes.
  • Developers can focus more on application development rather than infrastructure concerns.

• Enhanced Collaboration and Governance:

  • The advanced RBAC system and team administration features promote secure and efficient collaboration.
  • Organizations can enforce policies and permissions that align with their governance models.

• Flexibility and Customization:

  • While providing a standardized approach, Planton Cloud does not sacrifice flexibility.
  • Custom Pulumi modules and stack job runners allow organizations to tailor the platform to their specific needs.

• Improved Visibility and Control:

  • Centralized dashboards and visual tools provide better visibility into deployed resources.
  • Operational tools integrated into the platform enable teams to manage and troubleshoot resources effectively.

• Compliance and Security:

  • Features like custom stack job runners and detailed auditing support compliance efforts.
  • Organizations can ensure that sensitive operations and data remain within their controlled environments.

• Time to Value:

  • The integrated nature of Planton Cloud accelerates the time it takes for organizations to realize value from their cloud deployments.
  • Reduced setup times and streamlined processes lead to faster deployments and iterations.

Conclusion

Planton Cloud extends the capabilities of Project Planton by offering an integrated, feature-rich platform that addresses the needs of modern organizations. It provides the tools necessary for efficient deployment, management, and collaboration, while also supporting compliance and security requirements.

In summary, while Project Planton offers a solid foundation for consistent multi-cloud deployments, Planton Cloud elevates the experience by adding layers of functionality that cater to the complexities of real-world organizational needs.

Next Steps

• Explore Planton Cloud:

  • Sign up for a trial to experience the platform’s features firsthand.
  • Visit the deployment component store and try deploying resources through the UI.

• Leverage Custom Modules and Stack Job Runners:

  • Utilize the Pulumi Module Registry to register and use custom modules.
  • Set up custom stack job runners to align with compliance requirements.

• Engage in Team Collaboration:

  • Set up teams and roles within Planton Cloud to enhance collaboration and security.
  • Use the advanced RBAC features to control access and permissions.

• Provide Feedback and Contribute:

  • Share experiences and feedback to help improve the platform.
  • Contribute to the open-source Project Planton to enhance its capabilities.

About Planton Cloud

Planton Cloud is committed to simplifying cloud deployments and empowering organizations to manage their cloud infrastructure effectively. By providing tools that bridge the gap between development and operations, Planton Cloud enables teams to focus on innovation and deliver value faster.