OpenShift vs Kubernetes: Key Differences Explained

Kubernetes has become the de facto standard for container orchestration, enabling organizations to manage and scale containerized applications efficiently. However, OpenShift, built on top of Kubernetes, offers additional features that streamline development and deployment. While they share core functionalities, they have distinct differences that impact their usability. In this blog, we explore the key differences between OpenShift and Kubernetes.

1. Core Overview

Kubernetes:

Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration platform that automates the deployment, scaling, and operation of application containers. It provides the building blocks for containerized workloads but requires additional tools for complete enterprise-level functionality.

OpenShift:

OpenShift is a Kubernetes-based container platform developed by Red Hat. It provides additional features such as a built-in CI/CD pipeline, enhanced security, and developer-friendly tools to simplify Kubernetes management.

2. Installation & Setup

Kubernetes:

• Requires manual installation and configuration.
• Cluster setup involves configuring multiple components such as kube-apiserver, kube-controller-manager, kube-scheduler, and networking.
• Offers flexibility but requires expertise to manage.

OpenShift:

• Provides an easier installation process with automated scripts.
• Includes a fully integrated web console for management.
• Requires Red Hat OpenShift subscriptions for enterprise-grade support.

3. Security & Authentication

Kubernetes:

• Security policies and authentication need to be manually configured.
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is available but requires additional setup.

OpenShift:

• Comes with built-in security features.
• Uses Security Context Constraints (SCCs) for enhanced security.
• Integrated authentication mechanisms, including OAuth and LDAP support.

4. Networking

Kubernetes:

• Uses third-party plugins (e.g., Calico, Flannel, Cilium) for networking.
• Network policies must be configured separately.

OpenShift:

• Uses Open vSwitch-based SDN by default.
• Provides automatic service discovery and routing.
• Built-in router and HAProxy-based load balancing.

5. Development & CI/CD Integration

Kubernetes:

• Requires third-party tools for CI/CD (e.g., Jenkins, ArgoCD, Tekton).
• Developers must integrate CI/CD pipelines manually.

OpenShift:

• Comes with built-in CI/CD capabilities via OpenShift Pipelines.
• Source-to-Image (S2I) feature allows developers to build images directly from source code.
• Supports GitOps methodologies out of the box.

6. User Interface & Management

Kubernetes:

• Managed through the command line (kubectl) or third-party UI tools (e.g., Lens, Rancher).
• No built-in dashboard; requires separate installation.

OpenShift:

• Includes a built-in web console for easier management.
• Provides graphical interfaces for monitoring applications, logs, and metrics.

7. Enterprise Support & Cost

Kubernetes:

• Open-source and free to use.
• Requires skilled teams to manage and maintain infrastructure.
• Support is available from third-party providers.

OpenShift:

• Requires a Red Hat subscription for enterprise support.
• Offers enterprise-grade stability, support, and compliance features.
• Managed OpenShift offerings are available via cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP).

Conclusion

Both OpenShift and Kubernetes serve as powerful container orchestration platforms. Kubernetes is highly flexible and widely adopted, but it demands expertise for setup and management. OpenShift, on the other hand, simplifies the experience with built-in security, networking, and developer tools, making it a strong choice for enterprises looking for a robust, supported Kubernetes distribution.

Choosing between them depends on your organization's needs: if you seek flexibility and open-source freedom, Kubernetes is ideal; if you prefer an enterprise-ready solution with out-of-the-box tools, OpenShift is the way to go.

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