OpenSearch
AWS's Elasticsearch fork. Apache 2.0, AWS-managed via OpenSearch Service.
VISIT OPENSEARCHQuick facts
- CategoryDatabase-native FTS
- EngineJava
- PricingOpen source
- LicenseApache-2.0
- Created2021
- GitHub stars11k
- Vector supportYes
- Edge-readyNo
What it is
OpenSearch is AWS's 2021 fork of Elasticsearch + Kibana, kept Apache-licensed throughout. Functionally near-identical to Elasticsearch with AWS-aligned tooling and the AWS-managed OpenSearch Service. Used heavily in AWS-locked organisations.
Best for
- AWS-locked organisations needing managed search
- Workloads requiring strict Apache 2.0 licensing
- Teams already using AWS-native services who want one vendor
When not to pick it
Outside AWS the alignment is the differentiator. New non-AWS projects almost always pick Elasticsearch (now AGPL again) or one of the lighter options.
My take
AWS-aligned organisations should use OpenSearch. Outside that audience Elasticsearch is the more central project.
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