Container-based solutions for applications are now very popular. The most common of these popular solutions are OpenShift and Kubernetes. While most of the features of these two solutions are similar, there are some differences between them.
What is OpenShift?
OpenShift is an open source and container-based application developed by Red Hat. It enables the user to run container-based applications and workloads. It is written in AngularJS and Go programming language. OpenShift has an Apache License and makes it easy for developers to deploy projects or applications to the cloud. It speeds up the development and deployment process with the core of Kubernetes.
Main Features
- Supported by multiple languages such as Go, Node JS, Ruby, Python, Java, Perl, PHP, etc.
- DevOps approach enables rapid application development.
- It enables automatic or manual scaling of container programs.
- Security controls are built into the container and application stack.
- Prometheus is used for application visualization and monitoring.
- Users benefit from unified policy enforcement.
- Container workloads in Kubernetes are supported.
- Simple migration to a newer operating system without the need to rewrite the containerization orchestration.
Companies Using OpenShift
Below you can see a list of companies using OpenShift:
- Optus
- HCA Healthcare
- Deutsche Bank
- BMW
- Intermountain Healthcare
- ThoughtWorks
- Worldpay Inc
What is Kubernetes?
Kubernetes is an open source and containerized framework developed by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation used to manage workload and services. It automates container-based application-based development and deployment.
Main Features
- It enables you to utilize on-premises, hybrid or public cloud infrastructure that allows you to shift workloads efficiently.
- Servers and containers undergo rigorous self-testing.
- Scalable enough to change storage requirements based on demand.
- Can be executed in various settings and cloud configurations.
- You can automatically choose the best container placement.
- Integrates well with standard storage systems.
- The user community is very active and supportive.
- Support for a wide range of languages and frameworks has been significantly improved.
Companies Using Kubernetes
Below you can see a list of companies using Kubernetes:
- Spotify
- Nav
- IBM
- Nokia
- AppDirect
- Philips
- Ant Financial
- China Unicom
- Amadeus
- Bose
- Comcast
- eBay
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Kubernetes and OpenShift?
Advantages of Kubernetes
Kubernetes is compatible with simple applications thanks to its thin security policies.
It has extensive community support from experts and developers.
You can install Kubernetes on several operating systems.
Disadvantages of Kubernetes
- Container image management is poor.
- Kubernetes learning curve is quite steep.
Advantages of OpenShift
- OpenShift has better container image management, making it easier to deploy images
- The security features are very robust.
- The user interface is perfect for beginners.
Disadvantages of OpenShift
- OpenShift is inflexible.
- It has a relatively small and limited support community.
What Are the Similarities Between Kubernetes and OpenShift?
The similarities common to both technologies are as follows:
- Both have a modern and good architecture.
- They provide modernization features and large-scale application development in distributed systems.
- They have a scalable and robust architecture.
- Both increase the productivity level of developers to a good degree.
Differences between Kubernetes vs. Openshift
As you can see in the table below, along with some similarities, there are also some differences between Openshift and Kubernetes.
Kubernetes is the foundation of OpenShift. OpenShift and Kubernetes are both container-based technologies and are very similar, but in some cases different. OpenShift manages the Kubernetes cluster. Kubernetes is used to manage many containers.
Kubernetes supports load balancing, auto-scaling and managing storage to containers. It has strong expert community support. OpenShift provides its own power with Kubernetes and offers more convenience in managing workloads with different tools.
| Differences | OpenShift | Kubernetes |
| Project / Product | OpenShift is a product. It allows users to install OpenShift, which provides support with a paid subscription. | Kubernetes is an open source project or framework. It provides the user with support from external experts and knowledgeable community in case of any problems. |
| Installation | Installation has limited options when it starts. | You can install it on any Linux environment. |
| Flexibility | OpenShift has some limits regarding flexibility. | Kubernetes provides a lot of flexibility with the operating system. Helm schedules are much more flexible compared to OpenShift templates. |
| Cloud Platforms | Products are available on OpenShift Online, OpenShift Azure and OpenShift Dedicated. | On Amazon it is available on EKS on AWS, on GKE on Google GCP and on AKS on MS Azure. |
| Security | OpenShift has a very strict security policy. You need certain security permissions to maintain your security level. | It is easy to ensure security in Kubernetes. |
| Deployment Approach | OpenShift has a deployment configuration as a deployment configuration. | Kubernetes has deployment objects. These objects are implemented internally through the use of controllers and are also used to update pods. |
| Routing | Routers allow external access to OpenShift. | Ingress allows external access to Kubernetes. They are more mature than router objects. |
| Management | OpenShift image streams provides better management. | Container image management in Kubernetes is not easy. |
| User Experience | OpenShift provides good support to users. | Kubernetes, users need some additional tools for a better user experience. |
| Networking | OpenShift provides users with a good networking solution. | Some Kubernetes components do not have networking solutions. Therefore, it provides third-party plugins. |
| Service Catalog | OpenShift provides a good service catalog. | Kubernetes provides less provisioning for better services in clusters. |
| Enterprise-Level Use | OpenShift design and components support enterprise level. | Kubernetes has all categories, but not all are organization specific. |
| Learning | The web console layout is user-friendly and attractive. Therefore, it is easy for beginners to control. | Kubernetes console layout is not easy. Therefore, it is difficult for beginners to learn. |
| CI / CD | CI/CD integration with Jenkins is available in OpenShift. | CI/CD integration in Kubernetes is possible in Jenkins but not integrated within a tool. |
OpenShift vs Kubernetes: Which is Better?
OpenShift and Kubernetes are open source platforms that aim to make application development and container orchestration easier. They offer easy deployment and management of containerized applications. Both are based on a similar kernel. OpenShift’s web console allows users to perform about 80% of tasks directly.
The choice between OpenShift and Kubernetes depends on user requirements and how flexible the interface for development needs to be.
Frequently Asked Questions about OpenShift
1. Which brands use OpenShift?
Deutsche Bank, ThoughtWorks, Optus, Worldpay, BMW, HCA Healthcare, Intermountain.
2. What are the advantages of OpenShift over Kubernetes?
OpenShift offers some advantages over Kubernetes. These are as follows:
- It provides a better user interface.
- Provides automated workflow.
- Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) Solution is effective in OpenShift.
- Security tools in OpenShift are better than in Kubernetes.
- There is operating system support.
3. Is OpenShift difficult to learn?
No, OpenShift is not difficult to learn.
4. What framework is used to develop OpenShift?
OpenShift is developed by Red Hat and Go is written in Angular.js.
5. OpenShift vs Kubernetes: Which is better?
Both OpenShift and Kubernetes can be used depending on user needs. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
6. Does OpenShift use Kubernetes?
No, it doesn’t. OpenShift and Kubernetes are different container orchestration platforms. OpenShift has a built-in Kubernetes platform, which simplifies the setup process, but is limited to Red Hat Linux distributions.
7. Which brands are using Kubernetes?
eBay, Comcast, Philips, AppDirect, Spotify, Nav, Nokia, Ant Financial, China Unicom, IBM, Amadeus, Bose.
