DataStax has released a version of a Kubernetes Operator for Apache Cassandra under an Apache License, aiming to standardize infrastructure management around Kubernetes. The move follows the realization that managing data plane should also be managed under the same umbrella. DataStax is also releasing a Management API sidecar for Cassandra and has started the conversation of donating components to the Apache Cassandra project. The company encourages community participation in developing a community-driven operator, with input from diverse experience valuable.