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copyright
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2023, 2026
lastupdated 2026-06-01
keywords openshift, {{site.data.keyword.openshiftlong_notm}}, kubernetes cluster, red hat openshift, openshift container platform, red hat, create openshift cluster, vpc cluster, classic cluster, clusters
subcollection openshift

{{site.data.keyword.attribute-definition-list}}

Getting started with {{site.data.keyword.openshiftlong_notm}}

{: #getting-started}

{{site.data.keyword.openshiftlong_notm}} is a managed Kubernetes service to create your own cluster of compute hosts where you can deploy and manage containerized apps on IBM Cloud. Combined with an intuitive user experience, built-in security and isolation, and advanced tools to secure, manage, and monitor your cluster workloads, you can rapidly deliver highly available and secure containerized apps in the public cloud. {: shortdesc}

Ready to create your first cluster?

{: #getting-started-quick-start}

If you already have an IBM Cloud account and want to get started immediately:

Create a cluster now{: external}

Don't have an account? Sign up for IBM Cloud{: external}

Use this page to move through the main setup flow: review the service, prepare your account, plan your environment, create a cluster, and deploy a sample app.

Review the basics

{: #getting-started-basics}

Start with the core concepts, terminology, and benefits. For more information, see Understanding {{site.data.keyword.openshiftlong_notm}}.

If you already know the basics, continue to the next section.

Prepare your account

{: #getting-started-prepare-account}

Make sure that your {{site.data.keyword.cloud_notm}} account is ready for cluster creation. For setup steps, see Preparing your account to create clusters.

You must be logged in to IBM Cloud before you create a cluster. If you don't have an account yet, you can create one{: external}.

Pricing considerations

{: #getting-started-pricing}

Pricing varies based on worker node flavor, number of nodes, and infrastructure type. For more information, see Red Hat OpenShift on IBM Cloud pricing{: external}.

Create a cluster environment strategy

{: #getting-started-strategy}

Before you create a cluster, review the main design choices in Creating a cluster environment strategy. This topic helps you decide on factors such as infrastructure, networking, and availability.

Create a cluster

{: #getting-started-create}

Follow a tutorial or set up your own custom cluster environment. Review the following table for your deployment options.

Type Level Time Description
Quickstart Beginner 30 minutes Create a pre-configured OpenShift Virtualization Service cluster with virtual machine capabilities ready to use. For more information, see Quickstart: Creating a Virtualization Service cluster.
Tutorial Beginner 30 minutes Create a small, 2 node cluster to begin testing {{site.data.keyword.openshiftlong_notm}}. For more information, see Creating a 2 node VPC cluster by using Schematics.
Tutorial Beginner 45 minutes Follow the steps in this tutorial to create your first cluster by using the IBM Cloud CLI. This tutorial uses Classic infrastructure. For more information, see Creating a classic cluster from the CLI.
Tutorial Beginner 1 hour Follow the steps in this tutorial to create your own Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), then create an {{site.data.keyword.openshiftlong_notm}} cluster by using the CLI. For more information, see Create a cluster in your own Virtual Private Cloud.
Deployable architecture: QuickStart variation Beginner 1 hour This deployable architecture creates one VPC cluster with two worker nodes and a public endpoint. Note that the QuickStart variation is not highly available or validated for the IBM Cloud Framework for Financial Services. For more information, see {{site.data.keyword.openshiftlong_notm}} on VPC landing zone{: explore}
Deployable architecture: Standard variation Intermediate 1-3 hours This deployable architecture is based on the IBM Cloud for Financial Services reference architecture. The architecture creates secure and compliant clusters on a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) network. For more information, see {{site.data.keyword.openshiftlong_notm}} on VPC landing zone{: explore}.
Deployable architectures: Community Registry Intermediate 1-4 hours There are more deployable architectures available in the Community Registry. Review the options to see if they fit your use case. For more information, see Catalog{: external} and select Community Registry from the drop-down menu.
Deployable architectures: OpenShift AI on {{site.data.keyword.IBM}} Intermediate 1-2 hours This deployable architecture creates a new OpenShift cluster that runs GPU worker nodes and includes the Red Hat OpenShift AI operator. For more information, see OpenShift AI on IBM Cloud{: external} in the Catalog.
Custom deployment Intermediate 1-3 hours Create a custom cluster on Classic infrastructure.
Custom deployment Intermediate 1-3 hours Create a custom cluster on VPC infrastructure.
{: caption="Options for creating a cluster" caption-side="bottom"}

Already have a cluster? Learn how to access it and continue to the next step to deploy a sample app!

Deploy a sample app

{: #getting-started-deploy-app} {: step}

After you create your cluster, deploy a sample app from the {{site.data.keyword.redhat_openshift_notm}} console, you can deploy one of the built-in service catalog apps and expose the app with a route.

  1. From the navigation menu, change from the Administrator perspective to Developer perspective.

  2. Click +Add > View all samples > Go.

  3. Wait a few minutes for the resources to deploy.

  4. Check the status from the Topology pane by clicking your Go app and reviewing the sidebar.

  5. When the deployment is complete. Click the Open URL button to view your app in a web browser.

    Hello World!

    {: screen}

  6. To clean up the resources that you created, delete your deployment from the Topology pane.

Quick actions

{: #getting-started-quick-actions}

If you already have a cluster, use these links to continue:

Access your cluster : Connect to your cluster and run kubectl commands. For more information, see Accessing clusters.

Install the CLI : Set up your local development environment. For more information, see Installing the CLI.

Deploy your first app : Get hands-on with a sample application. For more information, see Deploying apps.

Need to check pricing first? View Red Hat OpenShift on IBM Cloud pricing{: external}.

What's next?

{: #getting-started-whats-next}

Continue with one of these curated learning paths: