# Install Aerospike Kubernetes Operator

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 does not support Aerospike Database Community Edition (CE) clusters.
:::

Check the [system requirements](https://aerospike.com/docs/kubernetes/4.3.x/install/requirements) and make sure you understand the [limitations](https://aerospike.com/docs/kubernetes/4.3.x/install/limitations) before installing.

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

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

See [Install AKO using OperatorHub](https://aerospike.com/docs/kubernetes/4.3.x/install/olm) for the installation steps.

::: 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.
:::

See [Install AKO using Helm charts](https://aerospike.com/docs/kubernetes/4.3.x/install/helm) for the installation steps.

## Next steps

After AKO is running on your Kubernetes cluster, see [Deploy Aerospike clusters](https://aerospike.com/docs/kubernetes/4.3.x/install/deploy) to set up an Aerospike cluster.