# Install Aerospike Kubernetes Operator

## Overview

You can install AKO in different ways depending on your deployment needs. AKO supports installation on all major Kubernetes cloud providers and on your own hardware.

::: note
AKO supports only Aerospike Database Enterprise Edition (EE) clusters.
:::

Check the [system requirements](https://aerospike.com/docs/kubernetes/4.1.x/install/requirements) and make sure you understand the [limitations](https://aerospike.com/docs/kubernetes/4.1.x/install/limitations) before installing.

### Method 1: Install AKO using Operator Lifecycle Manager (OLM)

We recommend using [Operator Lifecycle Manager (OLM)](https://olm.operatorframework.io/) to run and manage AKO in production environments.

Follow the steps [here to install the Aerospike Kubernetes Operator using OperatorHub](https://aerospike.com/docs/kubernetes/4.1.x/install/olm).

::: note
For ARM architecture, make sure the installed OLM version is 0.25.0 or later.
:::

### Method 2: Install AKO using Helm Charts

You can also install AKO and Aerospike clusters using Helm charts if you prefer. Helm and OLM based setups should not be mixed. Do not deploy AKO with one method and an Aerospike cluster with another.

::: tip
This is a more involved procedure requiring specific manual steps compared to an OLM installation. Make sure you need this specific installation method and follow the instructions closely.
:::

Follow the steps [here to install the Aerospike Kubernetes Operator using Helm charts.](https://aerospike.com/docs/kubernetes/4.1.x/install/helm)

## Next steps

After AKO is running on your Kubernetes cluster, see [Deploy Aerospike clusters](https://aerospike.com/docs/kubernetes/4.1.x/install/deploy) to set up an Aerospike cluster.