Containers in the cloud or containerization is an operating system-level virtualization method for deploying and running distributed applications without incurring the need to launch an entire VM for each application. Instead, multiple isolated systems, called containers, run on a single controlling host and access a single kernel.

Because it is a cloud service, we therefore define Containers as a Service (CaaS), which consists of a service that allows software developers to manage containers using API calls through a provider or an interface via a portal. from the web.

How containers work in the cloud

Containers contain the components needed to run the desired software using files, environment variables and libraries. The host operating system restricts the container's access to physical resources, such as CPU and memory, so that a single container does not consume all of a host's physical resources.

Containers allow the packaging of source code, its configurations and dependencies, offering consistency in its architecture, operational efficiency and help with developer productivity and version control.

In practice, running containers in the cloud allows you to create scalable applications and services with the benefits of cloud computing, such as elasticity, high availability, security and economy.

>> Learn more: Hyperconvergence and integration with cloud computing

The advantages and benefits of using containers in the cloud

Adopting this type of technology within the universe of developing and supporting software solutions represents efficiency gains in memory, CPU and storage as the main benefits of this approach, when compared to traditional virtualization.

Because containers don't have the overhead required by VMs, separate instances of the operating system, it's possible to support many more containers on the same infrastructure. In this way, containerization improves performance because there is only one operating system handling the hardware calls.

Amazon the following benefits of using containers in the cloud:

  • Environment consistency;
  • Operational efficiency;
  • Developer productivity;
  • Version control.

A key factor in using containers in the cloud is that the technology makes for a much more agile environment and facilitates new approaches such as microservices, continuous integration and continuous delivery.

>> Learn more: When Blockchain and Cloud Computing Integrate

Evolution of the use of containers in the cloud extends its reach

Despite the characteristic of use being support for the development of software solutions, the application of containers in the cloud has expanded its reach and presented a great evolution in its applicability. In addition to the use in microservices, mentioned above, we have use cases covering:

  • distributed applications,
  • Use of batch processing,
  • middleware,
  • Database,
  • Information security.

As we advance in the use of technology, the future of the use of containers reaches the universe of great innovations, such as the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence.

>> Learn more: Do you know what Fog Computing is? The Internet of Things connects to the cloud

As you can see, cloud computing has been fundamental to the IT infrastructure in several areas, whether in research, industry, retail, etc. Regardless of the size of the organization or segment, adopting the cloud has been synonymous with cutting-edge technology and the possibility of embarking on the current digital transformation.

Continue here on our blog and do not miss the news. In addition, we are on social networks, on Facebook , our profile on Twitter and our Linkedin , where we publish more information about cloud computing and other technologies. Don't miss it.

Written by

Sky.One Team

This content was produced by SkyOne's team of cloud and digital transformation experts.

Popup Sky.One Connect 2023