People often call new startups and systems “the next big thing.” Most of those claims fade fast. They rarely mean lasting change for the tech industry. Containers are different, because they have proven their worth. They make building apps and managing servers smoother and faster.
What are containers and why are they used?
A simple metaphor makes containers easy to grasp. A shipping container could hold every tool, material, and instruction you need to build a house. A digital container works the same way. It packs everything a piece of software needs into one parcel, such as library files and setup files. Developers can then send that parcel to any machine, whatever its operating system.
Virtual machines need a lot of computing power. Containers are lighter. They carry the operating system they need. Each one also carries the memory and resources to run it, so it does not burden the host machine. They also stay much smaller than virtual machines, because each container can cooperate and share resources.
Containers also start up faster than virtual machines. They can package and launch web apps in many versions very quickly. That makes them ideal for sharing new apps and tools, and cloud computing has been unable to match it. Downsides do exist, however. Because containers share resources, the risk of cross contamination and security breaches is higher than with virtual machines. Virtual machines are entirely self-contained. Developers keep finding new uses for containers. Google Search already uses them, among other services.
What is Docker and how did they springboard containers onto the map?
Containers are not a new technology, but the rise of Docker has made them a buzzword. Docker is an open platform that automates how apps run inside software containers. Its developers built it to make new apps easier to create. It cuts the need to rebuild existing parts of the development pipeline. It also makes sending and sharing apps, with all their content, easier. Maybe the public is growing more at ease with cloud based computing. Maybe the older virtual computing process had glaring defects. Either way, Docker is now one of the most important startups of the decade. Forbes, VentureBeat, The Atlantic, and others have described it as a major shift in how apps are built and managed.
Speak with a Volico professional today about whether containers may be right for you
Containers are a terrific tool for building and moving software, but security gaps remain a concern. Our dedicated and knowledgeable team can help you decide whether containers fit your business. Contact Volico today to talk with us.
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