Cloud server computing is constantly evolving to be faster and more efficient. The next evolution in cloud computing is building on the principle of virtualization to allow for more efficient allocation of processing and memory resources to make servers even more efficient, and make data more accessible. The idea is called containers, and it’s likely to be the next major jump in cloud computing technology. Like many technological advances, however, containers are not without drawbacks, namely security. However once the issue of security is resolved, containers will take the cloud to new heights.
Containers and Cloud Computing
If you’re unfamiliar with the idea of virtualization, it is essentially the act of tricking a single server into thinking it is many servers. This in turn allows the server to run multiple virtual machines, as opposed to just one machine. In this way, space at data centers is used more efficiently, and computing resources can be allocated to individual virtual machines on a server based on their needs. However, each virtual machine on a server has to run its own operating system, which makes this process a little more complicated and not as efficient as it could be.
Containers, on the other hand, can run on many operating systems. They achieve this by “containing” software in a compact package and isolating it from other containers holding their own software on an operating system. Because the software is contained, there’s less interference, which means it can be moved much more easily between different machines. The cloud is composed of lots of different machines in servers on which software is spread out, so using containers facilitates the use of this software.
Getting back to resource allocation, containers make this process easier, again, because their contents are isolated and don’t interfere with each other. This means that resources can be allocated to individual containers. And instead of having to do so on multiple operating systems for individual virtual machines, you can do so using one operating system. The streamlining of this process makes resource allocation both easier and more efficient. The end result is that less space can be used to store the same amount of data more efficiently.
The main reason containers haven’t caught on on a large scale yet is because of security concerns. They currently don’t offer the same level of security as virtual machines. Hybrid clouds of virtual machines and containers are beginning to catch on in an attempt to maximize the potential of both, but for now, container-only clouds are a product of the future. Once the security issues are resolved, however, containers will be the next evolution in cloud computing.
By taking advantage of the cloud, you can significantly reduce IT requirements in your office, ensure your data is secured and backed up, and access your applications and data wherever you go. The cloud is making data more secure and more accessible at the same time. With a local cloud provider, you can get customized cloud hosting, customer service, and personal attention that larger providers can’t match. Having more than 300 commercial and governmental clients in Baltimore, Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia, Alliance InfoSystems (AIS) offers cloud computing among other support services for companies with or without IT staff. If you have any questions about cloud computing services call AIS at 410-585-9505, or click today.
Source
https://www.wired.com/2014/06/containers-v-virtual-machines/
