OpenShift and Kubernetes are two popular container orchestration platforms that are widely used in the industry. Both platforms have similar functionalities, but there are some differences between them that can affect which platform is the better choice for a particular organization. Here are some key differences between OpenShift and Kubernetes:
Ease of use:
When it comes to ease of use, OpenShift has an advantage over Kubernetes. OpenShift is known for being more user-friendly, with additional features that make it easier to install and manage. OpenShift includes a built-in web console that provides a graphical user interface for managing applications, clusters, and other resources. The web console allows administrators to easily configure and manage their OpenShift environment without requiring extensive knowledge of the underlying infrastructure.
In contrast, Kubernetes requires a greater level of technical expertise to set up and manage. Kubernetes is a more low-level platform, which means that administrators need to interact with it using command-line tools or third-party management software. While Kubernetes does offer a web-based dashboard for monitoring and managing resources, it is not as comprehensive as the one offered by OpenShift.
Overall, if ease of use is a key consideration for your organization, then OpenShift may be the better choice. Its user-friendly interface and additional management features make it easier for administrators to manage their container infrastructure. However, it is worth noting that Kubernetes has a larger ecosystem of tools and services, which means that it may be a better choice for organizations with more complex needs.
Security:
When it comes to security, OpenShift has an advantage over Kubernetes due to its built-in security features that are not included in Kubernetes. OpenShift includes integrated identity and access management (IAM) features that allow administrators to control access to their container infrastructure. OpenShift also includes secure container images that are built and signed by trusted sources, making it more difficult for attackers to introduce malicious code into the container environment.
In contrast, Kubernetes does not include built-in IAM features, which means that administrators must rely on third-party tools or custom solutions to manage access control. While Kubernetes does offer container image signing and verification features, these are not as comprehensive as the ones offered by OpenShift.
Overall, if security is a key consideration for your organization, then OpenShift may be the better choice. Its built-in security features make it easier for administrators to secure their container infrastructure without requiring extensive knowledge of security best practices. However, it is worth noting that Kubernetes has a large community of security experts who are actively working to improve the platform's security features, which means that Kubernetes may be a good choice for organizations with more specialized security needs.
Pricing: OpenShift is a commercial product developed by Red Hat and requires a subscription to use. Kubernetes, on the other hand, is an open-source project and is free to use.
Platform support: Kubernetes is a more widely adopted platform and is supported by a larger ecosystem of tools and services. OpenShift is built on top of Kubernetes, but adds additional functionality and is supported by Red Hat.
Developer productivity: OpenShift includes features that are designed to improve developer productivity, such as integrated development environments and pre-built application templates.
In summary, OpenShift and Kubernetes are both powerful container orchestration platforms, but the choice between them will depend on the specific needs of your organization. OpenShift may be the better choice for organizations with more complex security requirements or those looking for a more user-friendly platform, while Kubernetes may be the better choice for organizations looking for a more widely supported open-source platform.
