OpenShift vs Kubernetes: Key Differences

Containerization has revolutionized the way we build, deploy, and manage applications. With the rising popularity of containers, choosing the right orchestration platform has become crucial for businesses. OpenShift and Kubernetes are two prominent contenders in the container orchestration space. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between OpenShift and Kubernetes, helping you make an informed decision on which one is right for your organization.

  1. Overview of Kubernetes

Kubernetes, often abbreviated as K8s, is an open-source container orchestration platform that automates deploying, scaling, and managing containerized applications. Originally developed by Google, Kubernetes has become the industry standard for container management, thanks to its flexibility, scalability, and a vibrant community.

Key Features of Kubernetes:

  • Self-healing capabilities
  • Load balancing and service discovery
  • Automated rollouts and rollbacks
  • Horizontal scaling
  • Storage orchestration
  • Batch execution

  1. Overview of OpenShift

OpenShift is a container platform developed by Red Hat, built on top of Kubernetes. It combines Kubernetes’ container orchestration capabilities with additional features and tools to simplify and enhance the overall container management experience.

Key Features of OpenShift:

  • All features of Kubernetes
  • Integrated developer experience
  • Source-to-Image (S2I) build automation
  • Built-in CI/CD pipeline
  • Enhanced security and compliance features
  • Integrated monitoring and logging
  • Enterprise support from Red Hat
3. Key Differences Between OpenShift and Kubernetes

Now that we have a basic understanding of both platforms, let’s dive into the key differences between OpenShift and Kubernetes.

3.1. Ease of Use

Kubernetes offers a powerful and flexible platform for container orchestration but has a steep learning curve. Users need to configure and manage various components manually, which can be daunting for newcomers.

OpenShift, on the other hand, simplifies the container management experience with a user-friendly web console, command-line interface (CLI), and additional tools. It offers an integrated developer experience, making it easier for developers to build, test, and deploy applications.

3.2. Installation and Configuration

Kubernetes installation can be complex and requires configuring numerous components and plugins. There are various Kubernetes distributions and installers available, like kubeadm, Kops, and Rancher, which can simplify the process to some extent.

OpenShift provides a streamlined installation process with the OpenShift installer, making it simpler to set up and configure the platform. It comes pre-packaged with essential components, like networking and monitoring, reducing the need for additional plugins and configurations.

3.3. Security

Kubernetes offers basic security features like role-based access control (RBAC), network policies, and pod security policies. However, it lacks some advanced security and compliance features out-of-the-box.

OpenShift enhances Kubernetes’ security by adding Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) enforcement, automatically creating unique user and project IDs for better isolation, and offering built-in OAuth server for authentication. This makes OpenShift a more secure and compliant platform for enterprises.

3.4. Extensibility

Both Kubernetes and OpenShift are extensible platforms, supporting custom resources and operators to extend their functionality. However, Kubernetes has a more extensive ecosystem of third-party plugins and tools, giving users more flexibility to customize the platform.

OpenShift, being a more opinionated platform, may have fewer third-party integrations but offers a more consistent and cohesive experience, with many additional features built-in.

  1. Which One is Right for Your Business?

Choosing between OpenShift and Kubernetes

depends on your organization’s needs, resources, and priorities. Here are some factors to consider:

4.1. Support and Maintenance

If your organization requires enterprise-level support and maintenance, OpenShift might be a better choice. Red Hat offers professional support, training, and consulting services for OpenShift, ensuring a reliable and secure platform for your business.

Kubernetes, being an open-source project, relies on community support. While there are third-party vendors offering Kubernetes support, it may not be as comprehensive as the support provided by Red Hat for OpenShift.

4.2. Budget and Licensing

Kubernetes is free and open-source, making it an attractive option for organizations with budget constraints. However, keep in mind that you may need to invest in additional tools, plugins, and support services to fill the gaps in Kubernetes’ native features.

OpenShift, on the other hand, is a commercially licensed product, which may be more expensive upfront. However, the cost may be justified by the added features, support, and seamless integration provided by the platform.

4.3. Skill Set and Learning Curve

If your team is already familiar with Kubernetes and has the required skills to manage its complexities, it might be the better choice for you. Kubernetes offers a more flexible and customizable platform for organizations with specific requirements and the know-how to implement them.

For organizations with limited experience in container orchestration or a preference for a more streamlined experience, OpenShift might be the better choice. Its integrated toolset, simplified configuration, and built-in security features can save time and effort in managing containerized applications.

4.4. Integration with Existing Infrastructure

Consider the existing infrastructure and tools used by your organization. Kubernetes is more likely to integrate with a wider range of third-party tools, while OpenShift provides a more consistent experience with other Red Hat products, like Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and Red Hat Middleware.

Conclusion:

Both OpenShift and Kubernetes have their unique strengths and cater to different organizational needs. Kubernetes is ideal for organizations seeking a flexible, open-source, and customizable platform, while OpenShift is better suited for organizations looking for a more secure, integrated, and user-friendly experience with enterprise-level support.

Ultimately, the choice between OpenShift and Kubernetes depends on your organization’s requirements, resources, and priorities. By understanding the key differences between the two platforms, you can make an informed decision that best aligns with your business goals.

Deploying an application in Red Hat OpenShift

OpenShift is a popular platform-as-a-service (PaaS) solution that allows developers to easily deploy and manage their applications. In this article, we will walk through the process of deploying a sample application in OpenShift using code.

Before we begin, it's important to note that you will need to have an OpenShift account and the OpenShift command-line interface (CLI) installed on your machine.

Step 1: Creating a new OpenShift project

The first step in deploying an application in OpenShift is to create a new project. A project is a logical space within OpenShift where you can create and manage your applications. To create a new project, open a terminal and run the following command:

oc new-project <project-name>

Replace <project-name> with the desired name for your project.

Step 2: Creating a new application

Once you have created a new project, you can now create a new application within that project. In this example, we will be deploying a sample Node.js application, but you can deploy any type of application that is supported by OpenShift. To create a new Node.js application, run the following command:

oc new-app nodejs:14~https://github.com/openshift/nodejs-ex.git

This command will pull the sample Node.js application from the OpenShift GitHub repository and deploy it to your project.

Step 3: Exposing the application to the internet

Once the application is deployed, it will only be accessible within the OpenShift cluster. To make it accessible to the internet, you will need to create a route. A route is a way to expose your application to the internet using a unique URL. To create a route, run the following command:

oc expose svc/nodejs-ex

This command will create a route for your application and display the URL in the terminal. You can now access your application by visiting that URL in a web browser

Step 4: Deploying updates to the application

Now that your application is deployed and accessible to the internet, you can easily deploy updates to it. To deploy an update, simply push the changes to the GitHub repository and run the following command:

oc rollout latest dc/nodejs-ex

This command will update the application with the latest changes from the repository.

In conclusion, OpenShift makes it easy to deploy and manage applications using code. With a few simple commands, you can quickly and easily deploy a sample application and make it accessible to the internet. Happy coding!