Choose the right container deployment strategy and software

Introduction

Container deployment can simplify application software rollouts and updates, as long as you use the right container management software. Containers are isolated units on an OS that consist of an entire runtime environment -- an application, all its dependencies, libraries and the configuration files required to run it -- bundled into one place.

The benefits of containers are numerous. They improve both resource usage and operations in data centers and the cloud. Because containers are hosted on one shared OS, the resource consumption per application is minimal compared to hosting on VMs. You can even place five to 10 more containers on a server than you can with VMs. Most companies, even small enterprises, benefit from a stable, scalable container strategy, but it is imperative to develop the right approach to achieve containerization's full benefits.

There are five critical decision points that you must consider when evaluating prospective container management software. Ask yourself: What do you need from a container strategy?

• a basic container platform;
• a basic container system with orchestration capabilities included;
• public cloud tools;
• exceptional security container software with basic orchestration; or
• complex layers of resource abstraction and orchestration.

While these questions provide a good starting point for the buying decision process, be aware that an effective container management suite is usually comprised of multiple offerings, such as Docker paired with Kubernetes or an additional software suite.

This buyer's guide helps sort through the complex and multilayered options available for container management software. It breaks down how container management tools function and what constitutes the container ecosystem before diving into a detailed comparison of the leading vendors in the market. Finally, this guide provides an in-depth product roundup of the leading container management software products for container deployment.

1What is?-

Learn about the container ecosystem and its management tools

As containers are increasingly deployed in the enterprise, container management software helps admins keep everything running and stable. They must understand how these complex tools function.

2Do I need?-

Get your company on board with containers

Learn the business uses when an organization would need container management software and how these tools work to achieve improvements.

3Which should I buy?-

Compare leading container management options on the market

Learn about the container management software available so you can select the product to best oversee and implement changes to your deployment.

4Product roundup-

Explore the container management software options in-depth

The container market space has a diverse range of vendors to consider. Read this in-depth overview of the major container management systems available and their features, strengths and pricing options.