OpenShift vs Kubernetes: 10 Differences

As digital transformation accelerates, the strategic deployment of technology becomes pivotal in defining business success. Container orchestration platforms such as OpenShift and Kubernetes have emerged as cornerstone technologies, facilitating the rapid, scalable, and efficient deployment of applications across diverse operational environments. These platforms are not merely tools but catalysts for innovation, enabling organizations to harness the full potential of containerized applications.

The market’s response underscores the increasing reliance on these technologies, with the global application container sector expanding from an estimated $5.45 billion in 2024 to nearly $20 billion by 2029. This dramatic growth reflects a broader shift towards more agile, scalable, and cost-effective solutions in software development and infrastructure management.

The unique capabilities and distinct advantages of OpenShift and Kubernetes allow businesses to better navigate this evolving landscape, making informed decisions that align with their strategic objectives and operational demands.

What Is Kubernetes?

Developed by Google and later donated to the Cloud Native Computing Foundation, Kubernetes is an open-source project platform designed to automate the deployment, scaling, and operation of containerized applications. It has become synonymous with container orchestration, offering a powerful, flexible backbone that supports a broad array of containerized applications.

Kubernetes facilitates high availability, load balancing, storage orchestration, and automated rollouts and rollbacks, making it indispensable for enterprises targeting scalable and efficient infrastructure. Its design allows it to work with any container system that conforms to the Open Container Initiative (OCI) standards, including Docker and CRI-O, underscoring its adaptability and broad appeal.

What Is OpenShift?

OpenShift, developed by Red Hat, is a powerful Kubernetes-based container platform that enriches the Kubernetes core with a more developer-friendly and secure approach to managing containerized applications at scale. It builds upon Kubernetes by adding a suite of automation tools, a robust set of integrated developer tools, and ready-to-use environments that streamline the entire development and deployment process.

OpenShift simplifies many of the more complex or tedious tasks associated with Kubernetes through critical features like automated installations, regular updates, and health management. It also offers a more streamlined experience with built-in Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, source-to-image (S2I) capabilities, and a web console that provides a user-friendly interface for managing applications and resources.

OpenShift vs Kubernetes: A Comparison

Both platforms excel in their respective areas but cater to different needs regarding ease of use, security features, and community support. Here’s what you need to consider:

Ease of Use

OpenShift’s streamlined operations make it a preferable option for organizations that aim to reduce time to market and simplify the management of containerized applications.

Kubernetes

1. Offers extensive flexibility but with a steep learning curve
2. Requires an in-depth understanding of its architecture for setup and maintenance
3. Best suited for teams with technical expertise who require custom solutions

OpenShift

1. Designed for ease of use and rapid deployment
2. Automated processes and a user-friendly dashboard significantly reduce complexity
3. Ideal for organizations that prefer quick setup and easier management without deep technical overhead

Security Features

Choosing OpenShift might be the smarter option for your business if maintaining stringent security protocols is crucial and you seek to minimize external dependencies.

Kubernetes

1. Provides a fundamental security framework
2. Often necessitates additional configurations or third-party tools to achieve enterprise security standards
3. A good fit if you are capable of customizing your security environment

OpenShift

1. Comes with enhanced, out-of-the-box security features
2. Includes built-in authentication, authorization, RBAC, and SELinux enforcement at the container level
3. A strong choice for enterprises where security and compliance are top priorities

Community and Support

Your preference might lean toward OpenShift for its professional support and enterprise-grade solutions, especially if your operations demand guaranteed reliability and advanced features out of the box.

Kubernetes

1. Supported by a vast, active community under the CNCF
2. Benefits from continuous contributions to its ecosystem, enhancing its robustness and versatility
3. Suitable if you desire a platform with a wide range of integrations and community-driven innovation

OpenShift

1. Backed primarily by Red Hat
2. Provides professional support and enterprise-grade reliability
3. Offers early access to enterprise-focused features, often before they are available in Kubernetes

Use Cases for Each Platform

Kubernetes and OpenShift cater to different scenarios and industries based on their unique capabilities and features.

Kubernetes: Flexibility for Complex Customizations

1. Tech Startups and Scale-Ups: For technology startups needing a highly customizable environment to innovate and scale rapidly, Kubernetes is often the go-to choice. Its flexibility allows tech teams to tailor the orchestration to their specific needs, experimenting with new tools and methodologies without the constraints of a more prescriptive system.
2. Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Cloud Environments: Organizations that operate across multiple cloud services or combine public clouds with on-premises setups may prefer Kubernetes due to its wide adaptability and strong ecosystem support for such environments. This makes it ideal for businesses that prioritize a unified orchestration layer across diverse infrastructures.

OpenShift: Integrated Tools for Streamlined Operations

1. Enterprise Applications: For those looking to accelerate development cycles while ensuring robust security, OpenShift provides an all-in-one platform with ready-to-use developer tools and automated operations. This is especially useful in regulated industries like finance and healthcare, where compliance and security are paramount.
2. Simplified DevOps Adoption: OpenShift’s integrated CI/CD capabilities and automated workflows facilitate a smoother transition to DevOps practices, making it suitable for organizations aiming to modernize their application development lifecycle with minimal disruption.

Conclusion

Both Kubernetes and OpenShift offer significant advantages but cater to different needs within the tech community. Kubernetes is unmatched in its flexibility and is supported by a vast ecosystem, making it ideal for those who need a customizable and scalable orchestration platform. On the other hand, OpenShift excels in providing a more streamlined and secure environment with integrated tools that enhance productivity and simplify operations.

Specific organizational requirements, such as flexibility versus an integrated set of tools and easier management, should guide the decision between Kubernetes and OpenShift. Businesses must evaluate their technical capabilities, long-term strategic goals, and the specific demands of their projects to make an informed choice.

Flatirons offers expert guidance and support for those looking to navigate and efficiently deploy these technologies. We specialize in helping businesses harness the power of advanced container orchestration to achieve their development and operational goals, ensuring they make the most of their investments in Kubernetes and OpenShift.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the key difference between OpenShift and Kubernetes?

Kubernetes is an open-source platform designed to automate application container deployment, scaling, and operations across clusters of hosts. It provides the fundamental building blocks for running distributed applications.

On the other hand, OpenShift is a Kubernetes-based platform that integrates additional features such as automated operations, built-in developer tools (like CI/CD pipelines), and a user-friendly management interface to enhance productivity and security. OpenShift aims to provide enterprises with a more managed and cohesive environment for application development, deployment, and management.

Is OpenShift the same as Docker?

No, OpenShift is not the same as Docker. Docker refers to a set of platform-as-a-service products that use OS-level virtualization to deliver software in packages called containers. While OpenShift can run Docker containers, it is much more than a container platform. It is a comprehensive development and operations platform that extends Kubernetes with additional capabilities to improve developer workflow and automation.

What is OpenShift used for?

OpenShift streamlines and automates developing, deploying, and managing applications. By leveraging both containerization and microservices architecture, OpenShift enables organizations to deploy their applications efficiently and securely across various environments, from physical servers to public clouds. It is particularly favored in scenarios that require rapid development, continuous integration and delivery, and robust security—common requirements in sectors such as government, finance, and healthcare.

Can you use Kubernetes with OpenShift?

Yes, you can use Kubernetes with OpenShift because OpenShift is built on top of Kubernetes. It provides all the capabilities of Kubernetes, along with additional features that simplify many configuration and management aspects. OpenShift enhances Kubernetes with a more developer-friendly interface and integrated monitoring, logging, and security features. Users can apply their existing Kubernetes knowledge and tools within the OpenShift environment, benefiting from improved operational efficiency and ease of use.

Which container orchestration software is right for you?

Choosing between Kubernetes and OpenShift depends on your team’s technical skills, security needs, and development goals.

Kubernetes is ideal for those requiring a customizable environment with a robust community suitable for technical teams. OpenShift, offering more out-of-the-box functionalities and built-in security features, is better for organizations prioritizing ease of use and rapid deployment.

Assess both platforms in terms of support, security, and the specific demands of your projects to make the best choice for your organization’s future growth.