* [Topics](/en/topics "Topics") * [Open source](/en/topics/open-source "Open source") * What is MicroShift? What is MicroShift? =================== Published November 6, 2023•*2*-minute read Copy URL Jump to section --------------- What is MicroShiftWho is it forWhere does it live What is MicroShift? ------------------- The Red Hat® build of MicroShift is a lightweight Kubernetes container orchestration solution built from the edge capabilities of [Red Hat® OpenShift®](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/edge-computing) and based on the open source community’s project by the same name. As part of [Red Hat Device Edge](/en/technologies/device-edge), it has a purposefully built minimal footprint combining an enterprise-ready distribution of MicroShift – which runs atop an edge-optimized operating system built from [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](/en/technologies/linux-platforms/enterprise-linux/edge-computing). MicroShift brings the power and scalability of Kubernetes to the edge, as a natural extension of an OpenShift environment, allowing applications to be written once and run right where they are needed — next to the data source or end user. Essentially, it’s Kubernetes but tiny. Who is MicroShift for? ---------------------- MicroShift’s greatest strength is its size, or lack thereof. While OpenShift itself can be [small](/en/blog/meet-single-node-openshift-our-smallest-openshift-footprint-edge-architectures), MicroShift is even smaller and therefore can be placed in highly space-constrained spaces and run on extremely low-power hardware at the most remote locations - all while enjoying the benefits of Kubernetes and allowing teams to continue using their existing tools and processes. The consistency that MicroShift bring allows the focus to remain on innovation, rather than adopting new processes and architectures for various parts of a cloud environment. From core to cloud to edge — it’s all [Kubernetes](/en/topics/containers/what-is-kubernetes). Red Hat resources ----------------- [Keep reading](/en/resources "Keep reading") Where does MicroShift live? --------------------------- Derived from OpenShift, MicroShift brings a new level of scalability and consistency to cloud-native environments. This allows applications to run where they are most useful: on-site. [Edge computing](/en/topics/edge-computing/why-choose-red-hat-edge-computing) itself comes in so many unique forms, shapes, sizes and locations - all with their own unique considerations. While traditional on-premises datacenters and centralized public clouds enjoy the benefits of standardization at scale (such a constant power, network connectivity, cooling and space) - all of this can vary with devices are placed outside of their “comfort zone”. Fortunately, MicroShift can help with all of the above! With the resilience of OpenShift, miniaturized - MicroShift can comfortably operate on small, efficient hardware from a vast ecosystem of partners while handling varying conditions. So whether your application needs to be attached to an assembly line, building products or in a store, whether it is onboard satellites or out at sea, or whether it’s in a very hot, cold, wet or sandy place - near or far, online or off-grid — it’s all Kubernetes. Hub The official Red Hat blog ------------------------- Get the latest information about our ecosystem of customers, partners, and communities. [Keep reading](/en/blog "The official Red Hat blog") Recommended for you Red Hat Certified OpenShift Application Developer exam ------------------------------------------------------ deploy existing applications in a Red Hat® OpenShift® Container Platform environment [View exam](https://www.redhat.com/en/services/training/ex288-red-hat-certified-openshift-application-developer-exam?percmp=RHCTG0250000455236) Keep reading ------------ ### What is InstructLab? InstructLab simplifies the process of customizing large language models with private data. [Read the article](/en/topics/ai/what-is-instructlab "article | what is instructlab?") ### What is Istio? Find out more about Istio, an open source service mesh that controls how microservices share data with one another. [Read the article](/en/topics/microservices/what-is-istio "article | What is Istio?") ### What is CentOS Stream? CentOS Stream is a Linux® development platform where open source community members can contribute to Red Hat® Enterprise Linux in tandem with Red Hat developers. 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