Google Kubernetes Engine vs OpenShift
As containers continue to be a popular mode of application deployment, cloud-based container management is becoming more critical. Both Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) and OpenShift provide a managed Kubernetes platform for container orchestration, but they have some significant differences. In this blog post, we will provide an unbiased comparison of GKE and OpenShift and highlight the areas where they differ.
Overview
Google Kubernetes Engine is a fully managed service that allows running Kubernetes applications on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). It provides automatic scaling, node balancing, and automatic upgrades, among other things.
OpenShift, on the other hand, is a Kubernetes platform provided by Red Hat. It allows for self-service deployment of applications, support for both Kubernetes and container-native virtualization, and better control over network and storage.
Price comparison
Cost is often one of the most important factors when selecting a cloud-based container management platform. Both GKE and OpenShift offer various pricing models.
In terms of pricing, GKE starts at $0.10 per hour per cluster and $0.10 per hour per node. Additional charges apply for load balancing, SQL and NoSQL databases, and other services.
For OpenShift, pricing varies depending on the version and deployment model. The OpenShift Container Platform starts at $3,000 per year for 25 managed nodes, and costs increase according to the number of nodes and additional features.
Performance comparison
Container orchestration platforms require performance to minimize runtime overheads and ensure the best application performance. The following are some vital performance considerations.
Google Kubernetes Engine benefits from Google’s global infrastructure and provides a fast and reliable service. It includes automatic scaling and supports up to 15,000 nodes per cluster, 150,000 pods per cluster, and 15,000 pods per node. GKE can also handle up to 1.5 million requests per second.
OpenShift also provides excellent performance, allowing for up to 5,000 nodes per cluster and 150,000 pods per cluster.
Comparison Chart
| Criteria | Google Kubernetes Engine | OpenShift |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Google Cloud Platform | Red Hat |
| Pricing | $0.10/hr/node | Starts at $3,000/yr |
| Performance | Up to 15,000 nodes/cluster, 150,000 pods/node | Up to 5,000 nodes/cluster, 150,000 pods/node |
Conclusion
Ultimately, the selection of a cloud-based container management platform will depend on specific business requirements that can vary according to the organization's needs. However, this blog post gives you a general idea of some significant differences between the two platforms.
Whether you choose Google Kubernetes Engine or OpenShift, it's safe to assume that you'll benefit from the advantages of Kubernetes while minimizing the hassle of maintaining your own infrastructure, allowing you to focus on your application development.