Whether you’re currently operating across virtual environments or interested in migrating to the cloud, you may have heard of certain terminology, such as ‘cloud containers’. But what are they, and how can they benefit your business?
In this article, we’ve delved into everything containers, including exploring what they are and how they work, as well as the advantages and challenges of introducing containerisation.
What is a cloud container?
In simple terms, containers typically refer to packaged set of cloud microservice components – typically those that are commonly run together. For instance, specific versions of programming that you regularly run (including the relevant code, system settings, and runtime).
How do containers work?
This containerisation – i.e. packaging software into a standardised unit – allows you to deploy complementary components with agility and efficiency. What’s more, running a container only uses resources across the included services, rather than a full-service deployment (which could waste significant resources, such as CPU, memory, latency).
An important feature of any virtual environment, containers provide the foundation for building effective cloud architecture and operating cloud native applications with speed and efficiency.
What are common use cases of cloud containers?
It’s one thing understanding the theory of containerisation, but how about real-world use cases?
Well, you’ll perhaps be unsurprised to hear that they’re in action across a wide range of applications, and used every day to automate software, build applications, manage and process data, and advance machine learning.
For example, if you’ve visited an online store in the past, machine learning containers will be able to offer personalised product recommendations – in the back-end, that’s a combination of components working together to deliver a bespoke experience,
Alternatively, the entertainment industry uses containers to deliver high-quality media at scale, while online gaming services utilise containers to deploy servers with speed.
If you’re interested in learning more about the real-world opportunity of containerisation, our team of experts are on hand to offer cloud advice and answer your questions, so be sure to get in touch!
What are the advantages of containers in cloud computing?
We’ve looked at what a cloud container is, and how they work in practice, but what are some of the reasons to consider introducing containerisation within your cloud environment?
1. Portability
When we talk about portability, we’re referring to the ability to deploy services and components across different cloud and local platforms, with simplicity and speed – which is something containers achieve in spades. In contrast, traditional methods of moving components involves complex configurations, which is extremely time-consuming and can lead to errors.
2. Efficiency
The main way in which cloud containers boost efficiency is by optimising resource utilisation. Rather than a full-service deployment, your container only runs the required services, which leads to quicker launch times and improved performance. Notably, because you’re using fewer servers, you’ll likely also find that your costs drop too.
In short, containers start faster than a full-scale deployment, use less power, and save you money – all of which contribute to improved efficiency, which allows you to funnel time and resources into other areas of your business.
3. Scalability
Working as isolated units that operate independently to your full-service environment, cloud containers excel at meeting fluctuating demands and can be scaled up or down depending on your requirements. Without containerisation, it’s incredibly difficult to scale individual components at the same granular level – and it’d take much longer to do so.
In the case of scaling up, you’d simply add more of the same containers – which can be deployed quickly to meet demand – while scaling down would mean removing containers from your workflow. Some cloud providers even offer the option to automate scaling.
4. Deployment
Cloud containers streamline the deployment process by packaging services and components into self-contained, isolated units that can be distributed with speed and consistency.
Without containers, the deployment process would be much more complex and time-consuming – as you’d need to deploy each component of an application individually – with common challenges including inconsistency, delays, and inevitably-increased human error.
5. Innovation
As a result of the above advantages (portability, efficiency, scalability, and effective deployment), an indirect benefit of cloud containers is the innovation it encourages.
Examples include quicker delivery allowing speedier introduction of new services; granular testing around component combinations; and reduced risk of testing, as you’re not deploying full-scale cloud capabilities.
What are the challenges of containerisation?
Though there are multiple benefits of cloud containers, as is the case with anything situated within a virtual environment, there are some challenges you should be aware of.
The most important of which is understanding how to effectively manage a growing container library – as keeping on top of everything can quickly become complex if you’re not careful!
When effectively-managed, containerisation is an incredibly smart way of improving cloud efficiency; but without effective management, your containers won’t run as intended, and you’ll likely experience inefficient deployment and less-than-proactive scaling.
Fortunately, this difficulty can largely be resolved by integrating a resource management tool or employing the services of an experienced cloud consultant, who’ll become an extension of your IT team.
What are the next steps?
If you’re interested in migrating to a cloud native environment, you’ll greatly benefit from introducing containers for increased organisation, efficiency, and innovation.
They can be tricky to understand at first, but our expert consultants have years of experience managing some of the most complex cloud systems, so they’re always on hand to help!
In the meantime, discover even more cloud information and advice over on our blog – including our article exploring the differences between cloud containers and virtual machines!
