DOC-1459 Document new cluster scope default for Redpanda Operator 25.2

[JakeSCahill]

Description

Previously approved in #1230 and reopened because the base branch was deleted

Resolves https://redpandadata.atlassian.net/browse/DOC-1459
Resolves https://redpandadata.atlassian.net/browse/DOC-1499
Review deadline: July 28

This pull request updates the documentation for deploying and managing Redpanda in Kubernetes, focusing on changes introduced in Redpanda Operator v25.2. Key updates include the transition to cluster-scoped deployments by default, improved multi-tenancy management, and adjustments to RBAC requirements.

Updates to Redpanda Operator Deployment and Management:

• Cluster Scope as Default:

  • Updated documentation to reflect that Redpanda Operator v25.2 defaults to cluster scope, enabling management of multiple clusters across namespaces from a single operator instance. [1] [2]
  • Added guidance for deploying the operator in namespace scope, including specific Helm chart flags to restrict scope. [1] [2]

• Multi-Tenancy Enhancements:

  • Clarified that the Redpanda Operator simplifies multi-tenancy by managing clusters across namespaces from a single instance.
  • Updated instructions for deploying additional clusters in different namespaces without requiring multiple operator instances. [1] [2] [3]

• RBAC and Compatibility Adjustments:

  • Noted that ClusterRole permissions are required for both cluster and namespace scopes, and these are automatically configured with the Helm chart. [1] [2]
  • Updated Kubernetes compatibility matrix and versioning details to align with Redpanda Operator v25.2. [1] [2]

Migration and Upgrade Considerations:

• Migration from Namespace Scope:

  • Added instructions for upgrading from namespace-scoped operators, emphasizing that no manual steps are required for existing deployments.
  • Warned against running operators in both cluster and namespace scopes within the same cluster to avoid resource conflicts. [1] [2]

• Versioning and Compatibility:

  • Updated versioning scheme explanation and compatibility matrix to reflect changes in Redpanda Operator and Helm chart versions. [1] [2] [3]

These updates provide a more streamlined and scalable approach to managing Redpanda in Kubernetes, particularly for environments with multiple clusters.

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Checks

• New feature
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• Support Follow-up
• Small fix (typos, links, copyedits, etc)

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Reviewing files that changed from the base of the PR and between ae30164 and 8a84690.

📒 Files selected for processing (10)

• modules/deploy/pages/deployment-option/self-hosted/kubernetes/k-deployment-overview.adoc (2 hunks)
• modules/deploy/pages/deployment-option/self-hosted/kubernetes/k-production-deployment.adoc (3 hunks)
• modules/deploy/partials/kubernetes/deploy-operator.adoc (1 hunks)
• modules/get-started/pages/release-notes/operator.adoc (1 hunks)
• modules/manage/pages/kubernetes/k-rack-awareness.adoc (0 hunks)
• modules/migrate/pages/kubernetes/helm-to-operator.adoc (2 hunks)
• modules/troubleshoot/partials/debug-bundle/generate-rpk.adoc (1 hunks)
• modules/troubleshoot/partials/errors-and-solutions.adoc (0 hunks)
• modules/upgrade/pages/k-compatibility.adoc (3 hunks)
• modules/upgrade/pages/k-upgrade-operator.adoc (1 hunks)

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