Containerization has been around for a while but lately, there has been an increase in its popularity and containerized applications have become more complex over time and the need for efficient container management platforms can not be overemphasized.
Kubernetes and Openshift are the two big players opening new shifts(Pun Intended) in the Container Revolution.
Kubernetes is an open-source system developed by Google, managed by Cloud Native Computing Foundation, using the GO language in 2014.
It is categorized as a cluster management software, and CaaS and licensed under Apache License 2.0 automates deployment, manages and scales the containerized apps.
On the other hand, OpenShift developed by Red Hat Using the GO language and AngularJs in 2011, categorized as Cloud Computing, and PaaS and also licensed under Apache License 2.0 helps with the multi-tenant deployment and continuous development of applications.
Although OpenShift is based-Kubernetes it more features, in fact, Red Hat calls their product “Enterprise Kubernetes”.
We would be focusing on the differences here, OpenShift Vs Kubernetes, just so one can decide which to use based on certain factors.
| Factors | Kubernetes | OpenShift |
| Origin/Type | Open-source framework/project by Google | Product and not Project by Red Hat |
| Installation | Works on all Linux Distributions | Works only on Red Hat’s own Linux Distros like RHELAH and RHEL. |
| Security | Well Defined | Stricter Security Policies |
| Deployment | Deployment Object implemented through Controllers | DeploymentConfig implemented through Logic |
| Router Vs Ingress | Uses Ingress which is more mature | Uses Router which is new and less mature. |
| Management | Not Easy | Very Easy, Thanks to ImageStream |
| User Experience | Requires add-on/ Third-party tools | Provides unique user support |
| CI/CD | Supports Jenkins but not Integrated within. | Seamless Integration and Support with Jenkins |
| Networking | Offers third-party plugins solutions to networking | Has OpenvSwitch which offers its native networking solutions |
| Usage | Serves all categories of usage | Designed for enterprises and has components mainly for that |
| Some of their Users | Spotify, Nav, IBM, Nokia, AppDirect, Philips, Ant Financial, China Unicom, Amadeus, Bose, Comcast, and eBay | Optus, HCA Healthcare, Deutsche bank, BMW, Intermountain Healthcare, ThoughtWorks, and Worldpay Inc |
Please note: RHELAH means Red Hat Enterprise Linux Atomic Host and RHEL is Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Pros and Cons of Kubernetes and Openshift
Kubernetes
| Pros | Cons |
| Built-in security | Steep learning curve |
| Extensibility and pluggability | Hard to install and configure manually |
| Integration with major cloud providers | Missing High Availability piece |
| Broad support for containers runtimes | K8s talent may be expensive |
Openshift
| Pros | Cons |
| Works on a bare-metal environment. | Log management. |
| Autoroute registration. | SSL certification knowledge is required before deploying web projects. |
| Nicely supports Red Hat Enterprise Linux for worker nodes. | The starter plan only supports one project. |
| Help teams reach production faster and easier. | No native support for agents other than Jenkins. |
Conclusion
After reading this, Deciding which to use might still be difficult, I suggest you try both if you are still in doubt, or watch a tutorial or video explaining how both works.
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