I'm afraid a collector and the operator are still the recommended way to go by OpenTelemetry (https://opentelemetry.io/docs/platforms/kubernetes/getting-s...). We're still working on a custom skill for Kubernetes, but the general skill should give you a sane default already.
A good way to start can be to start sending traces/logs directly by instrumenting the service and putting our backend as the collector.
I also help out personally whenever our clients have any questions on setting up the telemetry :)
I'm afraid a collector and the operator are still the recommended way to go by OpenTelemetry (https://opentelemetry.io/docs/platforms/kubernetes/getting-s...). We're still working on a custom skill for Kubernetes, but the general skill should give you a sane default already.
A good way to start can be to start sending traces/logs directly by instrumenting the service and putting our backend as the collector.
I also help out personally whenever our clients have any questions on setting up the telemetry :)