We use it for container orchestration. Some customers don't need to go with the coordinated open source as they need a more enterprise solution, so we use OpenShift. We mainly use it to host IBM CloudSec. We are working with CloudSec for integration, CloudSec for automation, and as a prerequisite for them, they need an OpenShift.
External reviews
External reviews are not included in the AWS star rating for the product.
Seamlessly monitor microservices with streamlined DevOps capabilities
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
With OpenShift, it gives me the ability and capability to monitor all my microservices and all my containers using its integrated monitoring. Its horizontal pod scaling is more efficient than the one used in Kubernetes.
What is most valuable?
Most benefit from it, however, I work with Kubernetes, and installing Vanilla Kubernetes is easy. That said, it introduces many tools that need to be set up individually. OpenShift comes ready out of the box, with all tools installed and configured. Red Hat certifies and confirms that all the components are compatible with each other.
OpenShift's superior dashboard is a notable strength, especially when compared to Kubernetes. The integrated DevOps capabilities, such as pipelines and the container registry, are extremely beneficial.
Additionally, its capability to monitor microservices and containers with integrated tools like Prometheus is a major advantage. The horizontal pod scaling exceeds the scalability features I found in Kubernetes.
What needs improvement?
OpenShift requires a very expensive and complex infrastructure. If I have a Kubernetes cluster with one master and three workers, to apply the same configuration in OpenShift, I need about three masters, three infra, and three workers.
It uses around double the resources of vanilla Kubernetes. Also, learning OpenShift requires complex infrastructure, needing vCenter integration, more advanced answers, active directory, and more expensive hardware. These demands can deter people from learning OpenShift.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Red Hat OpenShift for about four years now.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
OpenShift is stable but comes at the cost of a very expensive infrastructure. It provides better performance yet requires more resources compared to vanilla Kubernetes.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
OpenShift's horizontal pod scaling is more effective and efficient than that used in Kubernetes, making it a superior choice for scalability.
How are customer service and support?
We have dealt with many cases with Red Hat support, and while they eventually solve issues, it sometimes takes them a long time to reach a resolution, particularly with complex matters related to IBM Cloud. We have rated their support a seven out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have used Vanilla Kubernetes, VMware Kubernetes, etc., before. OpenShift is the more powerful and supported solution between them.
How was the initial setup?
The setup involves creating a configuration file called 'install-config.' After providing necessary parameters such as vCenter's URL, username, and password, an Ignition file is generated. A virtual machine is then created from an OVA file with attached parameters.
Although the process is still somewhat complex due to user-provisioned infrastructure, OpenShift offers a simpler installer-provided infrastructure. We chose user-provided because it offers more control over our environment.
What was our ROI?
With OpenShift combined with IBM Cloud App integration, I can spin an integration server in a second as compared to traditional methods, which could take days or weeks.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The cost of OpenShift is very high, particularly with the OpenShift Plus package, which includes many products and services. While I know it's expensive, I do not have the specific numbers.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I have used Vanilla Kubernetes, VMware Kubernetes, etc., before. OpenShift has proven to be better.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend having a solid understanding of Kubernetes before transitioning to OpenShift as it is based on Kubernetes. Without this knowledge, managing and maintaining OpenShift can be a nightmare.
I rate OpenShift as a nine point nine out of ten. I suggest considering the necessary infrastructure and related costs before adopting OpenShift.
Used for runtime or application migration, transitioning from classic application servers
What is our primary use case?
We use Red Hat OpenShift for runtime or application migration, transitioning from classic application servers and configuration restore machines.
What is most valuable?
The solution offers ease with which we can define how to run applications and configure them. It's much more convenient than creating a virtual machine and configuring application servers, making the process faster and simpler.
What needs improvement?
There are some features regarding English and communication. This refers to external communication points to and from the OpenShift cluster. However, there are limitations due to the cluster's setup.
There are configuration problem, but we managed to find a workaround. Now, we're waiting for Red Hat to address it as a patch. In the meantime, we're using the workaround and are somewhat satisfied. Dealing with just one issue was unexpected, but it did take longer.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is highly scalable. This is a key feature that led us to transition from classic legacy applications to OpenShift because adding more nodes and scaling applications is straightforward. However, it's important to note that applications need to be designed to support this scalability.
From an external perspective, it's accessible via the OpenShift Internet. Some services require authentication for users, while others are available to non-authenticated users. t can handle anywhere from ten thousand to one hundred thousand users. I rate it a ten out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
We don't have a huge number of ticket.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is complex as you need to know the steps. You can design the configuration of the cluster because it comprises various nodes, including infrastructure nodes, control points, and workers. You need to understand how to set up these basic components of the cluster and address persistent volume challenges to ensure they function properly.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The product comes with annual subscription. I rate the solution’s pricing an eight out of ten.
What other advice do I have?
The automation capabilities are straightforward. The tools are designed from the ground up to facilitate automation processes, making it increasingly comfortable to create CI/CD automation processes
One piece of advice is not to be stuck in old ways of thinking because you may need to transition to different types of work. Once you make this shift, you'll find that it's easier than it was in the past.
Overall, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.
Has good stability and integrates with multiple applications
What is our primary use case?
I use the solution for deployments with Java applications in the environment.
How has it helped my organization?
The solution has helped us in faster deployments of the applications.
What is most valuable?
The solution's most valuable feature is its ability to integrate with multiple applications, including inference tutor and container platforms. It helps us enhance the deployment process and make it faster.
What needs improvement?
The solution encounters lengthier downtime issues for virtual upgrades. In this case, we have to opt for alternative upgrade strategies. This area needs improvement. Also, they should release its serverless version.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution since 2018.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is easy to scale. Our organization plans to increase its usage for the next five years.
How are customer service and support?
The solution's technical support is excellent.
How was the initial setup?
The solution is easy to configure and run.
What was our ROI?
The solution generates a return on investment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is expensive but cost-effective.
What other advice do I have?
The solution is an excellent platform with a fast return on investment. I rate it a ten out of ten.