Containers as a Service (CaaS): How It Works

Containers are units that hold the logic, dependencies, libraries, code, and other configurations that applications require to run properly. Containers have numerous benefits.

For starters, containers require fewer system resources to operate when compared to traditional virtual systems.

Second, users can easily scale containers according to user demand.

Third, containers are easy to manage. Users can create, initialize, replicate, or destroy them in a short time.

Due to containers’ popularity, Containers as a Service (CaaS) was introduced to help manage containerized applications. Think of CaaS as a cloud-based service where you can upload and manage containers. The major benefit of CaaS is that it increases efficiency by providing only those resources the software requires.

This article discusses the concept of Containers as a Service, its benefits, how it works, and how it differs from services like PaaS and IaaS.

• How does the cloud container model work?
• What is Docker?
• How Docker works and its advantages as a CaaS
• CaaS vs. other services
• What CaaS can bring to the development team
• Other things to consider when choosing CaaS
• The top CaaS providers

How does the cloud container model work?

A container holds the necessary code, libraries, and configurations an app requires to run successfully. In the cloud environment, CaaS provides an abstraction layer that allows you to host, deploy, and scale your applications quickly.

In other words, CaaS takes care of the underlying infrastructure and resources so you can concentrate on using containers themselves. For instance, CaaS providers like Google Cloud and Amazon Elastic Container Services offer command line interfaces, application programming interfaces (APIs), and web portals that allow users to create, host, and deploy their container technologies.

The model shown in the figure below shows how CaaS allows users to operate containers independently from the cloud infrastructure layer.

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What is Docker?

Docker is a popular open-source virtualization platform that enables you to develop and manage containerized applications. Docker has the appropriate tools and software for monitoring the life cycle of containers. You can easily start, pause, and destroy containers.

How Docker works and its advantages as a CaaS

Docker uses a client-server architecture that’s built on top of a Linux Kernel to provide an isolated environment (a “container”) where you can run your applications.

Due to this isolated environment, you can operate multiple containers at the same time on a single host machine, saving significant resources. Users can also use Docker containers for testing and pushing an application to the production environment.

Docker as a CaaS has several advantages.

• Docker facilitates the rapid deployment of applications. Docker containers run in a virtual environment that users can set up and initialize quickly. Furthermore, Docker can create containers to accommodate new processes rather than restarting the entire operating system (which is time-consuming).
• Docker provides added security features for applications. Each Docker container contains the required applications’ libraries and configurations, minimizing dependence on other third-party systems. A container also runs in an isolated environment, so you have control of the traffic flow.
• Docker as a CaaS ensures that an application is compatible with other operating systems or platforms. Your software will run the same regardless of the environment. Therefore, you can target a bigger audience with your application. DevOps engineers also have an easier time since they don’t have to deal with environment-specific issues.
• Docker is efficient when it comes to testing and continuous deployment. Docker provides a consistent environment for both testing and production. One container can be used from the application development stage to production, reducing discrepancies and the likelihood of application failure.

CaaS vs. other services

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In this section, we discuss how Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Function as a service (FaaS) differ from CaaS.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Microsoft defines Platform as a Service as a development and production environment hosted in the cloud. PaaS provides the required infrastructure, software, and hardware for building applications.

PaaS saves significant time since organizations do’nt need to create crucial resources from scratch. A PaaS provider can offer storage devices, servers, network routing systems, development tools, and databases. Customers pay a fixed charge to PaaS providers depending on the resources they use.

CaaS differs from PaaS in the following ways:

• PaaS involves different resources, such as servers, databases, and networks, to assist in the development and deployment of apps. CaaS mainly deals with containers where applications are deployed instead of bare-metal hardware.
• PaaS is also regarded as an operational model, meaning that a PaaS provider can control how resources are allocated and used. CaaS, on the other hand, hosts applications that control their resources, state, and behavior.
• PaaS allows developers to work on their applications without worrying about other operational issues since they are handled by PaaS providers. Under CaaS, developers need to understand how the application host operates to deliver a seamless experience.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS is a cloud computing service that grants users access to storage, network, and computing resources. With IaaS, consumers can shrink or scale resources according to demand.

CaaS is different from IaaS in the following ways:

• CaaS allows consumers to host, deploy, and manage their applications in containers, which are isolated environments. IaaS only grants users access to the network, computing, and storage resources they can use to build their applications.
• CaaS mainly deals with containers, while IaaS deals with virtual machines (VMs).

Function as a Service (FaaS)

Function as a service is a computing service that enables consumers to run code in response to certain actions or events. The FaaS provider provides virtual machines, software, and hardware to consumers, allowing them to focus on the code needing to be executed.

CaaS and FaaS differ in the following ways:

• CaaS supports the containerization of applications or microservices, while FaaS only focuses on the specific code or function to execute (rather than an entire application).
• CaaS is mainly managed by a developer, while FaaS is controlled by the cloud service provider.

What CaaS can bring to the development team

CaaS can bring numerous benefits to the development team, including:

• Users pay only for the CaaS resources that they consume. CaaS allows you to specify the resources your application should consume. Therefore, it’s unlikely you will end up with other unnecessary costs. This feature is a huge financial relief to consumers.
• Consumers can automate the scaling containers using CaaS. CaaS platforms like Docker enable you to host numerous containers on a single host. The containers can be scaled up quickly according to user demand.
• CaaS services support continuous deployment and testing. Containers provide a consistent environment from when an application is being developed and tested to when it’s deployed. You can use one container for the entire software development process to minimize confusion.
• Users can deploy a container environment quickly. CaaS only has a few configurations, facilitating fast application deployments. Developers can create, deploy, and destroy containers within a short time since they have complete control of the operating environment.

Other things to consider when choosing CaaS

When choosing a Container as a Service provider, you might want to keep these things in mind:

• Experience. You need to gauge your experience with container orchestration technologies like Docker. If you have never used these systems, you can settle for those CaaS cloud providers that offer managed services. Such providers will help you handle complex tasks, increasing your efficiency.
• Budget. Evaluating your budget is vital when selecting a CaaS provider. Small businesses with limited funds may have to settle for cheaper or free CaaS providers. You should also monitor containers’ processes regularly to avoid accruing huge expenses, especially when the application starts scaling.
• Regulatory compliance. Ensure that a CaaS provider abides by different regulations before signing a contract. This precautionary measure protects your business from liability.

The top CaaS providers

CaaS providers allow you to deploy and manage your containers on cloud platforms. Below are some of the top CaaS providers.

Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS)

Amazon ECS is a reliable container orchestration platform that allows you to create, deploy, and manage containers. Since Amazon ECS is integrated with other AWS processes, consumers can access increased functionalities to run container workloads. The core features of Amazon ECS include the following.

• Batch processing. Amazon ECS allows consumers to plan and choose when their containers and workloads should be executed.
• Scalability. Amazon ECS is highly reliable and scalable. Organizations can use Amazon ECS to accommodate increased traffic in different availability zones.
• Serverless. Amazon ECS uses AWS Fargate by default. AWS Fargate helps you manage servers, isolate container workloads, and manage your infrastructure. Users can also integrate Amazon ECS with AWS Elastic Load Balancing service (AWS ELB) for better network distribution.
• Hybrid environment. Amazon ECS provides a consistent environment regardless of whether you are developing your application on the public cloud or on-premises (locally). Consumers can easily monitor their application in different environments using ECS Anywhere.

Google Container Engine

Google uses its Kubernetes Engine to provide high-quality container management services. Kubernetes acts as a co-pilot. In other words, Kubernetes handles the scaling of your application and other container workloads automatically. Below are some of the main features of the Google Kubernetes Engine.

• Ready templates and applications. You can access a wide variety of templates and containerized solutions from the Google Kubernetes Engine. Most of these templates are open-source and can boost your productivity.
• Autoscaling. Google Kubernetes Engine detects when the application or container experiences a surge in traffic or workload and allocates the required resources automatically.
• Security. Developers can use Google Kubernetes Engine to determine how other users will access an application. For instance, you can restrict a specific IP address to authenticated users.
• Fast migration. You can easily migrate your application’s core services and processes from a virtual machine to a container using Google Kubernetes Engine.

IBM Kubernetes Service

IBM allows you to deploy and manage your containers on a Kubernetes Engine in the cloud. The Kubernetes Engine has extra functionalities, such as autoscaling and added security. Some IBM Kubernetes Service core features are highlighted below.

• Self-healing. IBM Kubernetes Service can recover and autoscale containers according to preset configurations.
• Logging and monitoring. IBM has in-built tools that make it easy to monitor containers. Use them to identify any issues affecting performance and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Access to more functionalities. Using IBM Kubernetes Service allows you to access more API calls you can use to add more features to your application.

Oracle Container Service

Oracle Container Service allows you to build and host cloud-native applications quickly and cheaply. Oracle Container Service differs from other CaaS providers due to its free Container Engine Service for Kubernetes. Developers can use Kubernetes to boost their performance at no extra cost. Other features of Oracle Container Service include the following.

• Support for ARM-based and GPU processes. Oracle Container Service is compatible with multi-architecture container images. You can, therefore, deploy ARM-based and GPU apps.
• Fast deployment. Oracle Container Service allows you to deploy containers and Kubernetes clusters quickly.
• Support for command line interface (CLI) and REST API. Manage your containers and clusters using the inbuilt CLI and REST APIs.

Azure Container Service

Like other CaaS providers, Azure Container Service enables you to deploy your existing applications to containers. Microsoft Azure Container Service also offers continuous integration and deployment for the management of containerized applications.

• Security. Azure Container Service runs regular checks on the underlying operating systems, virtual machines, and hardware to ensure everything is working perfectly.
• Support for different environments. You can host your application in containers running at the edge, in the cloud, or in hybrid environments.

Work for a CaaS company via Upwork

CaaS is essential when it comes to the deployment and management of containerized applications. CaaS allows you to quickly scale applications as needed. You can also keep track of the resources that your application consumes, enabling you to be cost effective in the long run.

If you are a cloud computing specialist in search of a job, you can get started by offering your services on Upwork today.

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Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.