What is Docker Cloud

Cloud computing is considered as a revolution in the field of computing. There have been a number of development in this sector that helped users in terms of easing computing. One of its prominent development has been the introduction of Docker Containers. Docker container technology has changed the cloud computing was seen earlier. Using Docker containers, software can be run while being moved from one environment to another. As all components of a software are self-contained within an isolated environment, it can be deployed anywhere. Here we will discuss what is Docker Cloud and its features and benefits. We will also see how it is different from Virtual Machine and the demerits it has.

What is Docker Cloud

Docker Cloud is an open-source platform where Docker “Orchestration-as-a-service” is provided. This service has been introduced by Docker after they acquired ‘Tutum.’ They do not provide docker hosting services. What they offer is Docker orchestration service for Docker containers and Docker hosts. In order to push docker containers, users have to member of any of these IaaS providers: MS Azure, IBM SoftLayer, Amazon Web Services, DigitalOcean, and Packet. It permits Docker host clusters to get automatically deployed in any of the mentioned IaaS providers. Users can create manage, and remove containers on these hosts. Docker is mainly used for packaging software for testing and deployment. Developers also use this platform to configure development environments by running application in an isolated environment. In next, read out what is Docker Cloud main features.

Main Features of Docker Cloud

These are some basic features of Docker Cloud:

• High-level portability and cross-platform compatibility
• Super lightweight and very scalable
• High density of containers help to cut cost
• Deployment facility on both cloud and on-premise

Containers VS Virtual Machines

There are differences between Containers and Virtual Machines (VM). Containers are good for situations when a particular application is required to handle an individual task. On the other hand, VMs give us a macro view and compatible with latest Operating Systems. Though in certain situations, both are needed to be deployed simultaneously. So, it is up to the cloud developers and architects to understand the necessity and use these facilities accordingly.

What is Docker Cloud Benefits

1. Multi-Platform Support: The major benefit of using Docker Cloud is its cross-platform compatibility. There are multiple platforms in the present the world and Docker Cloud provides portability among these platforms. Moreover, users can run them in any environment, be it your desktop or other virtual environments.

2. Resource Efficient: As containers are very lightweight, it takes much less space on the server compared to Virtual Machine. They also do not need separate OS and utilizes less hardware. All these features result in efficient use of resources.

3. Security and Resource Sharing: There is no internal interaction among the containers though they run in the same environment. As a result, even after an application crashes, other will continue to run smoothly without any technical problem. Similarly, malware attack or security breach of one container will not affect the functionality of other containers.

4. Time-Saving: With Docker Cloud, it has become so easy to create, replicate, or destroy containers. This speedy execution of these processes eventually fuels development process, marketing process, and operational process. Releasing new software and its versions can be done in a quick manner. It also enhances customer experience by quick bug fixing and including new features.

5. Cost Efficient: Docker Cloud offers features that enable adding more similar containers horizontally in a cluster. The resource cost gets reduced in significant number as you can run the container you require in real time.

6. Simple Operation: The operation of Docker Cloud is not dependent upon host OS. Unlike virtual machine, Docker Cloud executes its process without being dependent on host machine OS. Host OS does not need any specific application to run a program. Thus, docker users can easily avail updates.

7. Better Productivity: Docker Cloud makes containers run like they are designed locally for the system. Ultimately, there remains no difference between production environment, test server, and workstation. Therefore, it takes less time to debug and test as there is no environmental inconsistency.

Demerits of Docker Cloud

There are some disadvantages of using Docker Cloud as identified by the users. These are:

• Docker services are not developer-friendly
• Its command-line interface is unpredictable.
• It got weaker security compared to VMs.
• It is difficult to manage for novice Linux users.
• People tend to use it for every possible problem, but it is not equipped to solve all types of cloud problems.

What is Docker Cloud Pricing

Here is the pricing of various plans offered by Docker Cloud:

Conclusion

The computing evolution named Docker Cloud is a strong move toward popularizing microservices. Microservices are developed around products, not projects. Docker Cloud has appeared in the market when there is high demand for cloud computing, virtualization, faster development and deployment of applications, and proficient data processing. It is good for us that Docker Cloud can provide helpful services in all these sectors. It is evident from the current status that Docker Cloud has a long way to go. After this article, What is Docker Cloud? Is not a big question.