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Is Docker On Your Radar?

2015-01-12by Tristan Anwyn

Software is a major component of many business operations, and with so many different devices and operating systems available these days, making sure everything runs smoothly can be something of a challenge. That's where containerization and containerization systems such as Docker come in.

Many of their applications are particularly helpful for system administrators and app or software developers, but there are uses for them outside of those parameters too.

So just what is containerization and what can it do for your business?

How Docker Works

Docker's founder, Solomon Hykes, uses the analogy of shipping containers to explain Docker (and its name), making Docker easy to grasp.

In the same way shipping companies use shipping containers to ship a diverse range of goods, so Docker makes it easier to ship out software for use in a range of places, without worrying about whether it will fit into its new home when it gets there.

 

Docker allows software to be contained in standard containers, which means it can be installed in each instance within its own little working environment, isolating it from other applications and reducing the risk of software incompatibilities and similar problems.

Containerization versus Virtual Machines

Before the advent of systems like Docker, computer users and application developers often made use of virtual machines, computer programs that create virtual operating systems in their own window.

As the article "What Is Docker and Why Use It?" points out, Docker is much lighter on resources than a virtual machine.

There's no need to recreate an entire operating system as Docker has everything it needs within its own container. That means faster performance and fewer resources used when running an application.

For your business, Docker means being able to run applications where you want them to run whilst still minimizing how many resources they use, and being able to run applications across different operating systems and devices with the minimum of trouble.

Ways to Use Docker in Your Business

For software developers and system administrators, Docker is a boon, making it easier than ever to distribute applications.

But what about your business?

What uses does Docker have in a business environment?

Some of the uses of Docker and other containerization software include:

  • Businesses that offer services in the Cloud can use Docker to separate users without affecting the user experience. Containerization would help them to monitor users' usage rates and other statistics, in order to better understand service uptake and even spot opportunities to upsell;

  • Businesses that use Amazon Web Services can now deploy Docker when using the service, making it easier to scale and deploy databases or any other software;

  • From trying out new applications to training IT staff, Docker keeps each instance of an application in its own container, meaning that it can be run and played with without any risk to your main computer operating system;

  • Docker can be used to roll out software or applications across a range of operating systems and devices. This is useful for any business where employees with different computer set ups may need to access the same software, reducing the complaint "well it works on my machine, I don't know why it won't work on yours!";

  • Containerization can be used to create secure stores for business information on personal devices, making it a useful tool if your business has a bring your own device policy. Keeping business information containerized keeps it more secure.

Containerization is a useful tool for your business, allowing you to separate out applications for quicker run times, greater security, and more flexible deployment across your business.

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Tristan Anwyn

Tristan Anwyn writes on a wide variety of topics, including social media, SEO, IT security and European businesses.

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