OpenShift vs. Kubernetes: Let's Compare!
When it comes to container orchestration, you have probably heard of OpenShift and Kubernetes. Both are powerful tools that enable developers to deploy, manage, and scale applications more efficiently. In this post, we'll compare OpenShift and Kubernetes in terms of essential features, scalability, and functionality, to help you choose the one that's best for your needs.
Essential Features
Kubernetes is an open-source system for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. It provides essential features like load balancing, auto-scaling, and self-healing, making it easy to deploy and manage your applications. Kubernetes has a vast ecosystem of plugins and tools, which means you can customize it according to your needs.
On the other hand, OpenShift is based on Kubernetes but has more out-of-the-box features. OpenShift comes with everything that Kubernetes provides, plus additional functionalities such as built-in monitoring, logging, application health checks, and multi-tenancy capabilities. OpenShift also has a web console that makes it easy to manage applications and infrastructure.
Scalability
When it comes to scalability, Kubernetes and OpenShift are both capable of scaling to thousands of nodes, which makes them suitable for large-scale applications. However, OpenShift has a more straightforward scaling process, thanks to its pre-built features. OpenShift is designed to perform well in multi-tenant environments, and thus, it’s a better option for organizations that require scalability.
Functionality
Kubernetes is mainly focused on managing containers and related services, while OpenShift provides the flexibility to manage both containers and virtual machines. Moreover, OpenShift integrates with other tools such as Jenkins, GitLab, and Slack, making it easier to manage the entire application lifecycle.
Conclusion
Both OpenShift and Kubernetes are excellent container orchestration platforms with their unique features and functionalities. If you're already using Kubernetes and want additional functionalities, OpenShift is a better choice. But if you’re just starting and want a lightweight platform, Kubernetes is enough.
References:
- "Kubernetes vs. Openshift: What's the Difference?" by Collin Creek. Red Hat, 18 Dec. 2018.
- "Kubernetes vs. OpenShift: What's the Difference?" by Mary K. Pratt. CIO, 17 Aug. 2020.
- "OpenShift vs. Kubernetes: A Comprehensive Comparison" by Cloudify Inc. The New Stack, 24 Mar. 2021.