SMP Operator overview
The Harness SMP Operator is a tool that bootstraps the Harness Platform in your Kubernetes cluster. It handles namespace creation, registry credentials, Helm chart deployment, and ingress integration, providing a streamlined installation experience for both online and air-gapped environments.
What will you learn in this topic?
By the end of this topic, you will be able to:
- Identify what the operator manages during a Harness Platform installation.
- Choose a deployment method between Helm and the clustermgr CLI.
- Follow the quick start path from prerequisites through to the installer UI.
- Navigate the SMP Operator documentation to find prerequisites, installation, upgrade, and troubleshooting topics.
Before you begin
Before you install the Harness Platform with the SMP Operator, ensure you have the following:
- Kubernetes cluster: A cluster that meets the required resource profiles and node sizing. For more information, see Kubernetes cluster requirements.
- Storage classes: Storage classes configured for EKS, AKS, or GKE. For more information, see Storage classes.
- DNS and TLS certificates: DNS resolution and certificate management for your installation. For more information, see DNS and TLS certificates.
- Registry access: Online or air-gapped registry configuration for pulling platform images. For more information, see Registry setup.
Operator capabilities
The operator manages the components required to run the Harness Platform in your cluster, so you do not configure each one separately.
- Deploys the Harness Platform Installer Helm chart into your cluster
- Configures registry credentials for pulling platform images
- Manages ingress integration
- Supports air-gapped installations with private registries
- Handles upgrades of existing installations
Deployment methods
Select the method that matches how much of the bootstrap you want to control directly.
The operator can be deployed in two ways:
- Install the
platform-installerHelm chart directly withhelm install - Use the
clustermgrCLI to bootstrap the chart for you.
The Install with the SMP Operator guide covers both methods.
Quick start
Complete these steps in order to reach a running installation and open the installer UI.
- Review the Prerequisites
- Follow the Install with the SMP Operator guide using helm or clustermgr
- Run Post-installation checks
- Access the installer UI at
https://<your-dns>/pi
Structure
The SMP Operator documentation is organized into the following sections.
Prerequisites
Essential requirements before installing. For more information, see Prerequisites.
- Kubernetes cluster requirements: Resource profiles and node sizing.
- Storage classes: EKS, AKS, GKE.
- DNS and TLS certificates: DNS resolution and certificate management.
- Registry setup: Online and air-gapped registry configuration.
Installation
Installation methods and post-installation validation. For more information, see Installation.
- Install with the SMP Operator: Online and air-gapped installation.
- CLI reference: All flags and options.
- FIPS-compliant installation
- Post-installation checks
Upgrade
Operator and platform upgrades. For more information, see Upgrade.
Workflow tasks
Pre-defined automation tasks. For more information, see Workflow tasks.
Advanced configuration
Deep-dive configuration topics. For more information, see Advanced configuration.
Support and troubleshooting
Common issues and how to resolve them. For more information, see Support and troubleshooting.
Related articles
- Prerequisites: Review cluster, storage, DNS, TLS, and registry requirements before you install.
- Install with the SMP Operator: Install the Harness Platform using Helm or the clustermgr CLI.
- CLI reference: Review installation parameters across both the helm and clustermgr flows.
- Support and troubleshooting: Resolve common issues with your installation.