Why OpenShift and Azure Kubernetes Service are Great Wrappers for Kubernetes

Kubernetes has become the de facto standard for container orchestration, but its raw form can be overwhelming to manage for some users. Recently, I started exploring alternative solutions that wrap Kubernetes, and I was impressed with OpenShift and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).

OpenShift, developed by Red Hat, is a Kubernetes distribution that adds a layer of abstraction and automation to simplify the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. It provides a web-based console that offers a more user-friendly interface to manage Kubernetes resources. The console allows administrators to deploy applications, monitor their performance, and configure policies easily. OpenShift also includes additional features such as integrated CI/CD pipelines, source-to-image builds, and built-in security.

AKS, on the other hand, is a managed Kubernetes service from Microsoft Azure that abstracts away the complexity of managing Kubernetes infrastructure. With AKS, users can deploy and manage Kubernetes clusters with just a few clicks, and Microsoft handles the underlying infrastructure for them. AKS offers integration with other Azure services such as Azure Active Directory, Azure Monitor, and Azure DevOps. AKS also provides a web-based dashboard for managing Kubernetes resources and offers command-line tools and APIs for automation.

Both OpenShift and AKS provide a simpler and more streamlined experience for managing Kubernetes clusters. They expose Kubernetes functionality through a more intuitive user interface, making it easier for administrators to perform common tasks such as creating permissions, scaling workloads, and monitoring performance. They also add value by integrating with other tools and services in their respective ecosystems, making it easier to build and deploy applications end-to-end.

In conclusion, while Kubernetes is a powerful container orchestration platform, OpenShift and AKS provide a more user-friendly and automated experience for managing Kubernetes clusters. They abstract away the complexity of managing Kubernetes infrastructure and offer additional features and integrations that enhance the overall development experience. If you're looking to simplify your Kubernetes management, give OpenShift or AKS a try.