OpenShift vs. Kubernetes: The Enterprise Advantage
- Sharon Glenn
- Dec 6, 2023
- 4 min read
In today’s fast, tech-driven world, cloud-native app development has become necessary for enterprises looking to stay competitive. With the rise of containerization and microservices, enterprises and developers are now turning to platforms like Kubernetes and Red Hat OpenShift to orchestrate their applications.
While both have gained popularity in recent years, there has been a growing debate over "OpenShift vs Kubernetes," which is better suited for developing and managing modern cloud-native applications.
This article will pit these two giants against each other and help you make an insightful decision on which platform best fits your needs.
Kubernetes vs Red Hat OpenShift
Kubernetes, an open-source system, offers unparalleled flexibility and enjoys the support of a vast community, making it ideal for those comfortable with extensive customization. In contrast, Red Hat OpenShift, available in commercial and open-source variants (OKD), prioritizes ease of use and robust security. It shines with integrated image registry management and an intuitive web console, enhancing user experience.
While Kubernetes delivers frequent updates, it may lack certain user-friendly features. OpenShift's commercial version provides dedicated support, an attractive proposition for organizations valuing an enhanced user experience and top-notch security.
Key Benefits Overview
Here is a side-to-side comparison of the features that both platforms offer.

Benefits of OpenShift for Developers
Increased Development Speed
Red Hat OpenShift provides capabilities that boost development speed. Source2Image (S2I) facilitates application development and deployment by automatically constructing container images from source code. This automation replaces developers' container configuration and setup. S2I lets developers concentrate on code and application enhancements rather than containerization. This simplified method speeds up development, helping developers launch apps faster.
Simplified Networking
Routes make human-readable, memorable URLs easier to configure. Features like routes simplify networking for developers in Red Hat OpenShift. That simplifies OpenShift application traffic routing. Developers may set up ways to make their apps available through user-friendly web URLs, improving user experience.
OpenShift's streamlined networking helps developers make their apps discoverable and accessible to end-users. This networking simplicity lets developers concentrate on application logic and user experience rather than complicated setups. Developers can now collaborate with CRSS to use the simplified networking for their benefit with Red Hat OpenShift. With CRSS, you can ensure improved application traffic routing and enhanced user experience.
Advantages for IT Operations Teams
Automating Day 2 Operations
Red Hat OpenShift streamlines day-to-day operations for IT teams by providing insights on platform and OS updates, cluster sizing, and multi-cloud management. This automation reduces the manual effort required for routine tasks, allowing IT operations teams to focus on more strategic initiatives.
Enhanced Security Approach
OpenShift introduces security context constraints (SCCs) and security profiles, enhancing the security posture of containerized applications. These features help enforce security best practices and policies, ensuring that applications remain stable without compromising developer productivity.
Detailed Comparison
Development Efficiency
In today's fast-paced software development world, building powerful apps that can traverse hybrid cloud settings is an art. So, first, we will compare the development efficiency of both platforms.
Landscape Overview: Kubernetes
Kubernetes is open-source and has many features, making it ideal for customization enthusiasts. Kubernetes developers may orchestrate containers across environments on a clean slate. That makes it suitable for custom cloud-native app development.
Open-ended options get mastered while building hybrid cloud applications using Kubernetes. Choose your resources, networking, and deployment techniques. Developers who want to create bespoke, cloud-native applications love this freedom.
Mastering Convenience with Red Hat OpenShift
Red Hat OpenShift is a hybrid cloud app development's dream. It automates and streamlines cloud-native app development, by leveraging Kubernetes' capability, and streamlines operations.
OpenShift integrates services, offers a robust online interface for centralized logging, and runs CI/CD pipelines. Developers who want their works to come to life without complicated processes would love it.
OpenShift excels in hybrid cloud applications. It perfectly combines Kubernetes customization with developer-friendliness. OpenShift is the best cloud-native app development tool since you can concentrate on your masterpiece without worrying about details.
Operational Excellence
Now, let’s see which platform wins the operational excellence category with some real-world examples.
Kubernetes: Agile Operations
Kubernetes offers scalable and durable microservice designs. Spotify runs its complex microservices ecosystem on Kubernetes to provide a great user experience.
Netflix deploys, scales, and manages applications with Kubernetes, improving operational efficiency.
Kubernetes automates deployment and scaling for GitHub, simplifying infrastructure administration at scale.
Volkswagen uses Kubernetes to deploy and scale applications across geographies and data centers, improving operational efficiency.
Operations Streamlined with Red Hat OpenShift
OpenShift helps financial services firm Barclays modernize its apps by developing and deploying them on the cloud.
OpenShift improves development and deployment timelines, giving Amadeus operational agility.
OpenShift lets companies manage apps on several cloud platforms. That ensures high availability with flexibility and redundancy. Sprint uses OpenShift to scale applications and cut infrastructure expenses.
BMW utilizes OpenShift to design and deploy connected automobile apps, enabling rapid microservice deployment and scaling.
Unlock Operational Excellence
After comparing both platforms' aspects, we are confident that Openshift is the ultimate winner. For those who are short on time, here we have laid the key takeaways of this article:
Key Takeaways
Red Hat OpenShift enhances IT operations by automating tasks and improving application security.
OpenShift streamlines development with integrated services and robust interfaces, simplifying the process for developers.
With successful use cases from companies like Barclays, Amadeus, and BMW, OpenShift is superior in operational agility and flexibility.
Making the Shift
By making the shift today, you can unlock a whole new level of operational excellence. As an IBM and Red Hat partner, CRSS offers top-notch services to help developers and enterprises easily transition to Red Hat OpenShift.
At CRSS, our expert team provides tailored advice and support to ensure a seamless transition, allowing you to take full advantage of OpenShift's capabilities and increase operational agility. So contact us today to make the switch and experience the power of OpenShift for your business!

Ready to elevate your business with cutting-edge digital solutions? Discover the transformative power of CRSS's digital solutions, including Software Design and development, Cloud Engineering, and DevOps. Partner with us to leverage these services for enhanced innovation and business growth. Contact CRSS today and take the first step towards a digitally empowered future.
Comments