If you’ve tried running MongoDB on Kubernetes, you’ve likely run into some unique challenges. Stateful workloads like replica sets and sharded clusters can be messy in containers, and things that should be easy, like backups, scaling, failovers, and upgrades, suddenly take more time and attention than they should. That’s exactly what good MongoDB Operators are supposed to handle.
The problem? Most of them either skimp on features or hide the good stuff behind expensive enterprise licenses.
In this blog, we’ll show you what a MongoDB Operator should deliver, what’s missing from the options you’re likely considering, and introduce a fully open source solution that provides the automation, security, and flexibility you need without the fine print.
A MongoDB Operator is smart automation software designed specifically for running MongoDB databases within Kubernetes. It acts like a custom controller that understands MongoDB’s specific needs, automating the tricky, time-consuming tasks involved in managing its lifecycle.
Why does this matter? A capable MongoDB Operator simplifies operations by automating core responsibilities like:
Now, here’s the catch: just because something calls itself a MongoDB Operator doesn’t mean it can handle production workloads. Some fall short in key areas that only become obvious when something goes wrong.
Here are the most common issues teams run into when relying on less capable Operators:
Paywalled functionality: Some operators lock essential features behind a commercial license. You may need a paid subscription just to access hot backup options, advanced security controls, or centralized management tooling.
Incomplete or basic features: Many community-maintained operators cover the basics, such as initial deployments and simple scaling, but fall short on reliability and automation. Backups may exist, but not with the reliability or flexibility of point-in-time recovery. Scaling might be manual or disruptive. These gaps matter when you’re running production workloads.
Security and compliance gaps: Operators that lack built-in support for TLS, LDAP, or Kerberos can leave security and compliance teams scrambling. Managing certs manually, bolting on external auth systems, or missing audit logging altogether adds risk and operational overhead.
Monitoring blind spots: Operational visibility is non-negotiable in production environments. Without built-in integration to a monitoring stack, like Percona Monitoring and Management (PMM), you’re left assembling your own tooling or flying blind when something goes wrong.
Limited high availability logic: Basic failover support might be in place, but production-grade high availability takes more than restarting a pod. Look for operators that can handle replica set topology changes, recover gracefully, and ensure availability across failure domains.
When you need to automate MongoDB on Kubernetes, you’ll encounter a few main operator choices. Here’s a quick rundown:
MongoDB Inc. does offer official Kubernetes Operators, but their most valuable features are often reserved for enterprise users or cloud service subscribers.
If you’re running into limitations with MongoDB’s official operators, you’re not alone. Many teams end up searching for an operator that actually meets production needs without adding cost or complexity. That’s where Percona comes in.
What sets the Percona Operator for MongoDB apart is simple: it delivers the enterprise features your team needs without tying them to a commercial license. Built for production, tested at scale, and fully open source, it gives you automation, security, and control without compromise.
The Operator integrates seamlessly with the Percona ecosystem:
Built-in enterprise features include:
With Percona, you get complete database operations designed for serious workloads, with no vendor lock-in or license key required.
Run anywhere: Deploy on any Kubernetes distribution, including OpenShift, EKS, GKE, AKS, Rancher, or your own self-hosted environment. No special conditions, no lock-in.
Total flexibility: Use your cloud of choice, on-prem infrastructure, or a hybrid setup. The Operator doesn’t impose artificial limitations on how or where you deploy.
No license hurdles: Get access to features like hot backups, point-in-time recovery, TLS, and LDAP without needing a commercial MongoDB license.
Avoid vendor lock-in: Stay in control of your environment. The Percona Operator isn’t tied to any proprietary platform or paid MongoDB product.
Optional expert support: Get 24/7 help from Percona’s MongoDB experts if and when you need it. Support and services available—but never required—to use the software in production.
This is what open source should look like: feature-complete, production-ready, and free from constraints.
If you’re running into roadblocks with scaling, reliability, increasing costs, or licensing restrictions, it’s time for a better option. The Percona Operator for MongoDB gives you the automation you need with the control and cost-predictability your team deserves. Want to learn more? Check out the key reasons to switch below:
