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.

OpenShift Vs Kubernetes
OpenShift Vs Kubernetes

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.

FactorsKubernetesOpenShift
Origin/TypeOpen-source framework/project by GoogleProduct and not Project by Red Hat
InstallationWorks on all Linux DistributionsWorks only on Red Hat’s own Linux Distros like RHELAH and RHEL.
SecurityWell DefinedStricter Security Policies
DeploymentDeployment Object implemented through ControllersDeploymentConfig implemented through Logic
Router Vs IngressUses Ingress which is more matureUses Router which is new and less mature.
ManagementNot EasyVery Easy, Thanks to ImageStream
User Experience Requires add-on/ Third-party tools Provides unique user support
CI/CDSupports Jenkins but not Integrated within.Seamless Integration and Support with Jenkins
NetworkingOffers third-party plugins solutions to networkingHas OpenvSwitch which offers its native networking solutions
UsageServes all categories of usageDesigned 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

ProsCons
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

ProsCons
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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