Container management has evolved significantly over the years. In the past, managing containerized environments was relatively straightforward. The concept of computer containers dates back to the 1970s when they were used to define application code on Unix systems. Today, containerization technology has advanced significantly, offering companies more value for their investment. From startups to large enterprises, container frameworks have proven to be efficient in generating stable workflows with optimized runtimes and continuous delivery.
Containers are executable units of software that package application code with its libraries and dependencies. They are standardized for running code anywhere, whether on desktops, traditional IT systems, or in the cloud. Operating system virtualization is used to isolate processes and control CPU, memory, and disk access for those processes.
Container technology transformed in 2013 with the introduction of Docker, gaining popularity and widespread acceptance. Docker quickly became a market leader in containerization software. A survey by IBM in 2021 showed that a significant number of respondents had used containers in their applications, with many expecting to increase container usage in the future.
The containerized applications market is currently dominated by Docker and Kubernetes. Docker containers are flexible and can run on any computer system using Docker images and Dockerfiles. Kubernetes, created by Google in 2014, is a popular container orchestration platform known for automating software deployment, scalability, and container management.
Containers are widely used in various industries, such as machine learning, software development, and artificial intelligence. They are particularly relevant in microservices architectures, DevOps environments, hybrid multicloud setups, and serverless applications. Containerization also plays a key role in application modernization, separate containers, and multi-tenancy solutions.
There are two main types of containers: system containers and application containers. System containers allow multiple processes to run simultaneously, making them ideal for managing traditional and monolithic applications. Application containers are designed to execute a single service, packaging and running one executable action at a time.
IBM offers container services built on open-source technologies like Kubernetes, enabling businesses to accelerate their cloud journey in a fast, secure, and efficient manner. By leveraging container orchestration tools, organizations can streamline their production environments and maximize the benefits of containerization.
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