IBM Public Cloud vs Microsoft Azure vs Red Hat OpenShift comparison

IBM and Microsoft are both solutions in the PaaS Clouds category. IBM is ranked #15 with an average rating of 6.7, while Microsoft is ranked #1 with an average rating of 8.4. IBM holds a 3.2% mindshare in PSP, compared to Microsoft’s 18.8% mindshare. Additionally, 83% of IBM users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 96% of Microsoft users who would recommend it.

IBM Public Cloud

Read 18 IBM Public Cloud reviews

2,759 Views
2,593 Comparison Views

83% willing to recommend

Microsoft Azure

Read 316 Microsoft Azure reviews

20,523 Views
12,314 Comparison Views

96% willing to recommend

Red Hat OpenShift

Read 62 Red Hat OpenShift reviews

11,087 Views
7,650 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

IBM Public Cloud

Microsoft Azure

Red Hat OpenShift

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between IBM Public Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Red Hat OpenShift based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Red Hat and others in PaaS Clouds.

To learn more, read our detailed PaaS Clouds Report (Updated: July 2025).

Buyer's Guide

PaaS Clouds

July 2025

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Helped 865,140 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2025, in the PaaS Clouds category, the mindshare of IBM Public Cloud is 3.2%, down from 4.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Microsoft Azure is 18.8%, down from 19.5% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Red Hat OpenShift is 12.0%, up from 11.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

PaaS Clouds

Featured Reviews

Premnath Jaganathan

Product Manager at Uop Ipl

Affordability and security improve our cloud experience while learning new systems

I'm not working with any AI features in IBM Public Cloud, but they are in the process of building it.I am very satisfied with the security that IBM Public Cloud provides. I would rate IBM Public Cloud eight out of ten, where one is worst and ten is the best.

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Nicolas Chabrier

Cloud Strategy B2B leader at Sunrise UPC

Promotes clear, logical structures preventing impractical configurations and offers seamless integration

The only thing is regarding the management of multi-cloud environments. That's not really possible. So basically, it's wonderful if you manage Microsoft clearly and if you manage Microsoft Azure, but if you need to consume external services and have a global overview of all your consumption, it's not the case. Google, for instance, has tools that help you manage multiple environments, which makes sense because Google is really the cloud provider. So that's why they need to be compliant with the others. But for sure, Microsoft's approach is different, and it's wonderful when you're one hundred percent on Azure. But if you'd like to have something more of a multi-cloud strategy, that's a bit of a gap where they could improve.

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Pratul Shukla

Vice President at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees

Adopting a flexible and efficient approach with noticeable improvements in operational costs and continued challenges in job management

Currently, one of the biggest challenges we face is with services and jobs. For spawning batches, although it has crons, it is not easy to integrate with enterprise systems such as Autosys. The entire company uses Autosys, but we are not able to integrate it effectively. We need intermediate servers to run OC utility commands and initiate the cron job. We have to do a lot of modifications to ensure our batches work properly. With physical or virtual servers, even in AWS, we are able to write and manage multiple jobs. Managing batches in Red Hat OpenShift has been a significant challenge. Integrating third parties is a challenge with Red Hat OpenShift. For example, with Elasticsearch, onboarding itself was difficult, running file beats and dealing with routing issues. It is not straightforward, especially since we have some components in AWS as. AWS has many capabilities that come out of the box and are easier to work with compared to Red Hat OpenShift. Red Hat OpenShift's biggest disadvantage is they do not provide any private cloud setup where we can host on our site using their services. The main reason we went with Red Hat OpenShift was because it is a private cloud, and we have regulatory requirements that prevent us from using public cloud.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"It provides robust analytics and management tools to give customers complete visibility into their environment and infrastructure."

"This product is very good because it is accessible in remote locations, and anyone can deploy from any place."

"There is no installation for this product because it is a cloud product."

"The most valuable feature of IBM Public Cloud is the AI integrations."

"I've found the stability to be excellent. The performance is good."

"The price of IBM Cloud is most valuable for us. The service is personable and gives us a good rapport. I can't say it's the best, but it was enough for our needs."

"What I like most in IBM Public Cloud is how easy it is to create serverless functions. They are called IBM functions, but in AWS, they are called Lambda functions. Those are pretty standard, and another thing I like the most is that you have fewer restrictions on the amount of data you can transfer across those functions. IBM Public Cloud is way more flexible than AWS. I also like that IBM Public Cloud is pretty straightforward to integrate. As long as you have all the tools IBM provides you, getting everything up and running is straightforward."

"I am very much satisfied with the technical support team at IBM Public Cloud."

More IBM Public Cloud pros

"Microsoft Azure has a large scope, it can do many things."

"One of the features I have found to be valuable is the scale set feature."

"The solution is very simple to use. It has a lot of great practical applications we really appreciate."

"It's a great solution. It's so customizable. Every user can create dashboards to suit their needs. We can create and share them with our teammates easily, too."

"I think the most useful feature has been the remote desktop. It has been very helpful when customers have old applications that are not architected to run remotely."

"In general, the entire suite of PaaS is valuable. It enables a true breakdown of IT siloes and allows an organization to embrace DevOps."

"The best feature is it's easy to integrate with other Microsoft solutions."

"Microsoft Azure is a very dynamic cloud service that allows you to migrate your workload, applications, and data."

More Microsoft Azure pros

"The most valuable feature is the auto scalers for all microservices. The feature allows us to place request limits and it is much cheaper than AWS."

"I am impressed with the product's security features."

"OpenShift's superior dashboard is a notable strength, especially when compared to Kubernetes."

"Excellent GUI support, so one does not need to use the command line client for almost any tasks. Great support for building images directly from Git repositories with hooks."

"The concept of containers and scaling on demand is a feature I appreciate the most about Red Hat OpenShift."

"OpenShift offers an easy-to-use graphical user interface for cluster management, making it more accessible for administrators."

"We are able to operate client’s platform without downtime during security patch management each month and provide a good SLA (as scalability for applications is processed during heavy client website load, automatically)."

"OpenShift facilitates DevOps practices and improves CI/CD workflows in terms of stability compared to Jenkins."

More Red Hat OpenShift pros

Cons

"It will be challenging to implement if you do not have any experience."

"While they have about 99% of what we need, the only exception, perhaps, was the push notification feature that was discontinued. They delayed the replacement product."

"Maybe performance enhancers and reports could be better improved. If they do so, it would be better. Of all the drawbacks I saw, this would be the biggest enhancement."

"The deployment can be a bit of a pain. There are a lot of packages and a lot of options and it can require complex configuration to get it right."

"It could be more secure."

"They could improve on customizing reporting capabilities."

"The solution’s pricing could be improved."

"There is not a lot of support for this solution, which is something that needs to be improved."

More IBM Public Cloud cons

"The technical support is good, but the response time is poor."

"I would like to see this solution support integration."

"The solution is less mature than AWS."

"A good strategy would be to include a feature for integrating with external ecosystems."

"The pricing can be reduced."

"We have faced some issues on the pricing side, but it has improved lately. We are trying to adjust to the new pricing methods that they are using now. It should be better from now on."

"Maybe Microsoft could improve its monitoring around the networking."

"The initial setup can be improved."

More Microsoft Azure cons

"We experienced issues around desktop security, that stopped us implementing a new feature that had been developed."

"Needs work on volume handling (although this is already better with GlusterFS). Security (SSSD) would also be an improvement."

"Its virtual upgrades are time-consuming."

"It could use auto-scaling based on criteria such as transaction volume, queue backlog, etc. Currently, it is limited to CPU and memory."

"OpenShift's storage management could be better."

"Some of the storage services and integrations with third-party tools should be made possible."

"The monitoring part could be better to monitor the performance."

"The GUI could have more capabilities, particularly around virtualization. Some features are missing, such as storage migrations, when compared with VMware."

More Red Hat OpenShift cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Pricing is not as fair as Amazon or Azure."

"IBM Public Cloud is pretty cheap. They have an ongoing free tier that basically won't expire, so as long as your solution is small enough, you can have a test set that you can use for demos, which will cost you almost nothing."

"We are using the trial version of this solution, so we have not paid anything."

"It pretty much has a standard price. There is no hidden price with IBM Public Cloud."

"The price of IBM Cloud is very cheap compared to competitors AWS and Azure."

"In order to be competitive, you have to commit to a contract for at least one year, but you pay a fixed monthly fee."

"IBM has a lesser price compared to other cloud service providers like Azure and AWS."

"The licensing fees are straightforward and predictable."

More IBM Public Cloud pricing and cost advice

"Price could always be cheaper. Its licensing and usage aren't always cheap. We pay monthly."

"The licensing fee is quite cheap for what they're offering."

"The pricing is fine."

"Microsoft Azure overall is an expensive solution."

"This is an expensive product."

"Related to pricing and licensing, you have to be careful how you operate with the concept."

"It is similar to AWS, where it is on-demand and is billed monthly."

"The cost of Microsoft Azure depends on the services that are used and there can be a discount at a corporate level from Microsoft."

More Microsoft Azure pricing and cost advice

"The solution is cost-effective."

"The product’s pricing is expensive."

"Depending on the extent of the product use, licenses are available for a range of time periods, and are renewable at the end of the period."

"We had a Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) license for all our servers' operating systems. By having multiple Red Hat products together, you can negotiate costs and leverage on having a sort of enterprise license agreement to reduce the overall outlay or TCO."

"The price depends on the type and the nature of the organizations, along with the types of projects that are of considerable range."

"The product has reasonable pricing."

"Pricing of OpenShift depends on the number of nodes and who is hosting it."

"We are currently using the open version, OKD. We plan to get the enterprise version in the future."

More Red Hat OpenShift pricing and cost advice

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Aug 14, 2013

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

University

15%

Computer Software Company

12%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Financial Services Firm

14%

Manufacturing Company

11%

Computer Software Company

10%

University

Financial Services Firm

29%

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

Which is preferable - IBM Public Cloud or Microsoft Azure?

IBM Public Cloud is IBM’s Platform-as-a-Service. It aims to provide organizations with a secure cloud environment to ...

See all answers

What needs improvement with IBM Cloud?

The front end is not pervasive, so it is very difficult get the status of your current services or account from a mob...

See all answers

What do you like most about IBM Public Cloud?

The most valuable feature of IBM Public Cloud is the AI integrations.

See all answers

Which is better - SAP Cloud Platform or Microsoft Azure?

One of the best features of SAP Cloud Platform is that it is web-based and you can log in from anywhere in the world....

See all answers

How does Microsoft Azure compare to Google Firebase?

I would recommend Google Firebase instead of Microsoft Azure, simply for the array of features that it has to offer. ...

See all answers

How does Salesforce Platform compare with Azure?

Microsoft’s Windows Azure platform is not easy or intuitive to deploy. The difficulty will be impacted by the type of...

See all answers

How does OpenShift compare with Amazon AWS?

Open Shift makes managing infrastructure easy because of self-healing and automatic scaling. There is also a wonderfu...

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Which would you recommend - Pivotal Cloud Foundry or OpenShift?

Pivotal Cloud Foundry is a cloud-native application platform to simplify app delivery. It is efficient and effective....

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What do you like most about OpenShift?

OpenShift facilitates DevOps practices and improves CI/CD workflows in terms of stability compared to Jenkins.

See all answers

Comparisons

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) vs IBM Public Cloud

Compared 33% of the time

Amazon AWS vs IBM Public Cloud

Compared 17% of the time

Dell ECS vs IBM Public Cloud

Compared 5% of the time

Mendix vs IBM Public Cloud

Compared 3% of the time

Google Cloud vs IBM Public Cloud

Compared 3% of the time

More IBM Public Cloud Competitors

Alibaba Cloud vs Microsoft Azure

Compared 12% of the time

Pivotal Cloud Foundry vs Microsoft Azure

Compared 9% of the time

Amazon AWS vs Microsoft Azure

Compared 9% of the time

SAP Cloud Platform vs Microsoft Azure

Compared 8% of the time

Salesforce Platform vs Microsoft Azure

Compared 3% of the time

More Microsoft Azure Competitors

Pivotal Cloud Foundry vs Red Hat OpenShift

Compared 14% of the time

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) vs Red Hat OpenShift

Compared 11% of the time

Amazon AWS vs Red Hat OpenShift

Compared 8% of the time

Google Cloud vs Red Hat OpenShift

Compared 5% of the time

Proxmox VE vs Red Hat OpenShift

Compared 5% of the time

More Red Hat OpenShift Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

IBM Public Cloud

August 2025

Download IBM Public Cloud product report

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Azure

August 2025

Download Microsoft Azure product report

Buyer's Guide

Red Hat OpenShift

August 2025

Download Red Hat OpenShift product report

Also Known As

IBM Bluemix

Windows Azure, Azure, MS Azure

No data available

Overview

IBM Cloud is a full-stack cloud platform that spans public, private and hybrid environments. Build with a robust suite of advanced data and AI tools, and draw on deep industry expertise to help you on your journey to the cloud.

IBM

Microsoft Azure integrates services and offers flexibility, ensuring compatibility with diverse environments. Its scalability, security, and cost-efficient features enhance deployment and management, making it ideal for infrastructure services and application hosting.

Azure provides a comprehensive suite of tools for application deployment, virtual machine management, and data analytics. It allows seamless integration with Power BI and offers a user-friendly interface supported by detailed documentation and technical support. Though users appreciate its capabilities, they sometimes face challenges with costs, setup, and interface complexity, alongside integration and performance issues. Frequent updates and a learning curve are also noted, though Azure's cloud-based security and scalability remain critical for disaster recovery and business continuity.

What are Azure's key features?

Integrated Services: Ensures compatibility with Microsoft and non-Microsoft environments.
Scalability: Supports growing business demands with flexible computing power.
Security: Offers robust cloud-based security features for data protection.
Cost Efficiency: Provides options that optimize costs for diverse requirements.
Application Deployment: Facilitates quick rollout of apps and services.

What benefits should users expect from Azure?

Operational Optimization: Allows companies to streamline processes effectively.
Innovative Efficiency: Empowers businesses to innovate with powerful tools.
Reliable Support: Backed by strong technical support and comprehensive documentation.
Flexible Cloud Solutions: Offers a range of options for cloud migrations and infrastructure management.

Microsoft Azure is widely implemented in industries like financial services, healthcare, and logistics for hosting enterprise applications and vital services. Companies utilize its capabilities for IoT applications, DevOps, and Kubernetes clusters, benefiting from its cloud migrations, data analytics, and active directory support.

Microsoft

Red Hat OpenShift offers a robust, scalable platform with strong security and automation, suitable for container orchestration, application deployment, and microservices architecture.

Designed to modernize applications by transitioning from legacy systems to cloud-native environments, Red Hat OpenShift provides powerful CI/CD integration and Kubernetes compatibility. Its security features, multi-cloud support, and source-to-image functionality enhance deployment flexibility. While the GUI offers user-friendly navigation, users benefit from its cloud-agnostic nature and efficient lifecycle management. However, improvements are needed in documentation, configuration complexity, and integration with third-party platforms. Pricing and high resource demands can also be challenging for wider adoption.

What are the key features of Red Hat OpenShift?

Security: Comprehensive security features ensure safe deployments and operations.
Scalability: Auto-scaling and monitoring capabilities cater to high-demand environments.
CI/CD Integration: Seamless integration for efficient continuous deployment processes.
Cloud Compatibility: Supports multi-cloud and on-premise solutions with ease.
GUI: Simplifies platform management and enhances usability.

What benefits and ROI should users look for?

Improved Efficiency: Streamlined operations reduce time and resource investments.
Enhanced Flexibility: Adapt quickly to changing demands and environments.
Quick Deployment: Fast application deployment supports agile project timelines.
Robust Support: Access to dependable customer support services.

Red Hat OpenShift is strategically implemented for diverse industries focusing on container orchestration and application modernization. Organizations leverage it for migrating applications to cloud-native environments and managing CI/CD pipelines. Its functionality facilitates efficient resource management and microservices architecture adoption, supporting enterprise-level DevOps practices. Users employ it across cloud and on-premises platforms to drive performance improvements.

Red Hat

Sample Customers

Uvionics Tech, Komsomolskaya Pravda, Alpha Modus, Inventive, Web Business Consulting, FindBrok, SilverHook Powerboats, United Way of Allegheny County

BMW, Toyota, easyJet, NBC Sports, HarperCollins, Aviva, TalkTalk Business, Avanade, and Telenor.

UPS, Cathay Pacific, Hilton

Find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Red Hat and others in PaaS Clouds. Updated: July 2025.

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