OpenShift vs. Kubernetes
When comparing OpenShift vs. Kubernetes, it’s clear that Kubernetes serves as a flexible open-source platform for container orchestration, while OpenShift builds on it, adding extra security features, integrated developer tools, and a user-friendly interface. This makes Kubernetes ideal for customized setups, while OpenShift offers a complete, enterprise-ready package.
The ideal platform for demanding, highly scalable container applications. Managed Kubernetes works with many cloud-native solutions and includes 24/7 expert support.
What is Kubernetes?
Kubernetes (also known as K8s) is probably the most well-known container management system currently. This is partly due to the strong support the project has received from Google employees. Additionally, Kubernetes offers a wide range of features and can be adapted to almost any project. This is because the software is open source, which is why you can find many different distributions online. The Kubernetes community is both large and experienced, so if problems or questions arise, you can usually find help quickly.
The flexibility of Kubernetes also means that there is no out-of-the-box solution. In many cases, you need to configure a lot yourself to ensure container management works. However, this also allows Kubernetes to be used on any operating system.
What is OpenShift?
Just as Kubernetes comes in many distributions, OpenShift is also available in several versions. The key difference is that OpenShift is a paid product from Red Hat, which means it includes professional support. With Kubernetes, you rely on community expertise, while OpenShift users benefit from Red Hat’s guaranteed assistance.
The delivery as a finished product brings not only convenience but also a high level of security. Since the system is self-contained and configured by the experts at Red Hat, you can expect high security standards. In contrast, if you configure Kubernetes yourself, you are responsible for all security mechanisms.
With OKD (formerly OpenShift Origin), Red Hat also provides a free open-source option. The other offerings are available as Platform-as-a-Service. While the specific packages differ in detail, they are essentially hosted solutions: Red Hat supplies the hardware and software configuration, and you access a secure environment for container technology directly over the internet—no own server required.
All products have in common that they are built on Kubernetes. With OpenShift, you choose a Kubernetes distribution with additional service. Instead of configuring K8s yourself, you rent a ready-to-use environment with OpenShift, which can be immediately used for development, testing, and deployment.
OpenShift vs. Kubernetes comparison
Since OpenShift is based on Kubernetes, there are some similarities between the two tools. However, there are differences in certain aspects.
| OpenShift | Kubernetes | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | RHCOS, RHEL | Any Operating System |
| Security | High security routine | Security depends on the user |
| Release cycle | About 3 per year | 4 per year |
| CI/CD | Integral part of the software | Possible through tools like Jenkins |
| User-friendliness | Designed for easy use | Operation is less comfortable |
| User interface | Simple user interface | Dashboard can be installed afterwards |
| Scaling | OpenShift targets enterprise level but can be scaled | Kubernetes can be used for any project size |
| Templates | Less user-friendly | High flexibility through Kubernetes Helm |
| Networking | OpenShift SDN and OVN-Kubernetes networking options | Third-party plug-ins enable networking |
Which solution should you choose?
From a technical perspective, both solutions are on par, with only certain details setting them apart. The real decision is whether you prefer to pay for the convenience of OpenShift or take on the flexibility of Kubernetes, which comes with a greater time investment for setup.
If you depend on reliable support, OpenShift is the safer choice: everything is preconfigured, and Red Hat provides professional assistance. Still, the Kubernetes community should not be underestimated—its large network of experts can also provide valuable help when needed.
Working with containers has been a normal part of software development and other areas in IT for quite some time. Various providers have entered the market with their own orchestration tools. Two of the best-known are Kubernetes and OpenShift. Although both solutions offer extensive container platforms, they differ in a number of aspects. Developers should think carefully about which product best suits their needs.
The ideal platform for demanding, highly scalable container applications. Managed Kubernetes works with many cloud-native solutions and includes 24/7 expert support.
Kubernetes: the open-source project
Kubernetes (also known as K8s) is probably the best-known container orchestration tool available right now. That’s partly because of the strong support the project has gained among Google employees. Moreover, Kubernetes offers substantial functional scope and can be adapted to almost any project. This is because the software is open source; a wide range of distributions can be found online. The large community behind Kubernetes is also very proficient. In case of questions or issues, it’s usually relatively easy to find someone who can help.
However, the flexibility of Kubernetes means there is no out-of-the-box solution. In many instances, it’s necessary to adjust many of its settings for container management to work. But this also allows Kubernetes to be used with any operating system.
Are you interested in Kubernetes and would like to use the orchestration tool for your project? Managed Kubernetes by IONOS lets you enjoy the benefits of the software without having to deal with implementation or maintenance.
OpenShift: the enterprise solution
Much like Kubernetes, OpenShift is available in countless implementations. Red Hat, the maker behind OpenShift, provides various products. That’s one important difference to Kubernetes: OpenShift is a paid product. However, that means once purchased, you can expect professional support. While you need to rely on the voluntary help of experts from the community with Kubernetes, Red Hat offers guaranteed support.
Being a finished product, OpenShift not only offers ease of use but also a great degree of security. Since the system is self-contained and configured by the experts at Red Hat, you can count on high-security standards. By contrast, when you configure Kubernetes, you’re responsible for installing your own security measures.
Nonetheless, Red Hat also provides a free, open-source solution called OpenShift Origin. Its products are available as a Platform-as-a-Service. The packages offered by Red Hat may differ in detail, but they generally concern hosted versions. In other words, the company provides the necessary hardware and software configuration. You can then access a secure test environment with container technology via the internet. Running your own server is not necessary.
What all its products have in common is that they expand on Kubernetes. With OpenShift, you, therefore, get a Kubernetes distribution with additional service. So, instead of having to configure K8s yourself, OpenShift is a finished environment that can immediately be used for development, testing and deployment.
OpenShift vs. Kubernetes: comparison of container platforms
Since OpenShift is based on Kubernetes, the two tools have much in common. But the solutions do vary in certain aspects.
| OpenShift | Kubernetes | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Linux, Fedora, CentOS | Any operating system |
| Security | High-security routine | Security dependent on the user |
| Release cycle | Approximately 3 per year | 4 per year |
| CI/CD | Integral part of the software | Possible via Jenkins |
| User-friendliness | Designed for ease of use | Less intuitive |
| User interface | Easy user interface | Dashboard can be installed |
| Scaling | OpenShift is aimed at the enterprise level, but can be scaled | Kubernetes can be used for any project size |
| Templates | Less user-friendly | High flexibility via Kubernetes Helm |
| Networking | Open vSwitch provides networking possibilities | Plug-ins from third-party providers create networking opportunities |
- Cost-effective vCPUs and powerful dedicated cores
- Flexibility with no minimum contract
- 24/7 expert support included
Conclusion: which solution should you choose?
Technically, both options are equally good. Although they differ in the details, they are certainly comparable. To make a decision, you should ask yourself whether you want to pay for the convenience of OpenShift or enjoy the maximum flexibility of Kubernetes. The latter will involve investing a lot of time (and possibly resources) in setting up the software.
If you tend to rely on the help from manufacturers, OpenShift may be more advisable. With OpenShift, everything is already configured and you can also utilize the professional support of Red Hat. However, the Kubernetes community is not to be disparaged: you’ll find plenty of experts across the online community who can help with any problem.