How To Use a Naked Domain With OpenShift

The Problem:

By default, when using OpenShift, you must use www.example.com instead of simply example.com. If users attempt to visit example.com, the browser will simply hang.

RedHat’s OpenShift doesn’t support static IPs, which makes it difficult to set up typical ‘naked’ A Record. Root level CNames make it impossible to use mail servers, etc. What to do?

The Solution:

WWWizer offers a free service that redirects example.com to www.example.com. You just create an A Record pointing to 174.129.25.170 (WWWizer’s IP), and it works.

So, to enable ‘naked’ access to your OpenShift application, set up a www cName record with your DNS provider (as shown here, and then use the WWWizer hack above. It’s better than a root level CName, which makes it impossible to use mail exchange servers, etc, and very simple.