What is OpenShift?

OpenShift is Red Hat’s platform that lets you build, run, and scale applications inside containers. It uses Kubernetes underneath and adds tools and a managed environment so developers can focus on code instead of the underlying infrastructure.

Let's break it down

  • OpenShift - a ready-to-use system for running containerized apps.
  • Red Hat - the company that creates and supports OpenShift.
  • Kubernetes - the open-source engine that actually moves containers around; OpenShift builds on it.
  • Platform - a collection of software that provides a base for other programs to run.
  • Build, run, and scale - create an app, keep it working, and add more resources when needed.
  • Containers - lightweight packages that hold an app and everything it needs to run.
  • Managed environment - the platform takes care of many operational tasks for you.
  • Developers - the people writing the code.
  • Infrastructure - the servers, networks, and storage that normally have to be set up and maintained.

Why does it matter?

OpenShift speeds up the delivery of modern cloud-native applications, reduces the amount of manual work for operations teams, and gives enterprises a consistent way to run software across on-premises data centers and public clouds.

Where is it used?

  • Large companies modernizing legacy systems by moving them into containers on OpenShift.
  • Financial-technology firms using OpenShift to run automated CI/CD pipelines for microservices.
  • SaaS providers that need automatic scaling and high availability for their web services.
  • Edge and IoT deployments where a lightweight, centrally managed container platform is required.

Good things about it

  • Built on Kubernetes, so workloads are portable across many environments.
  • Includes developer-friendly tools such as Source-to-Image, integrated CI/CD, and a web console.
  • Strong security features (role-based access, SELinux, built-in image scanning).
  • Supports hybrid and multi-cloud strategies, letting you run the same workload on-prem or in the public cloud.
  • Backed by Red Hat’s enterprise support and regular updates.

Not-so-good things

  • Initial setup and configuration can be complex, especially for teams new to Kubernetes.
  • The fully supported Red Hat version requires a subscription, adding cost.
  • Steep learning curve for developers and ops staff unfamiliar with container orchestration concepts.
  • For very small projects or simple apps, the platform may be more heavyweight than necessary.