Azure Container Instances vs Docker

Overview

Docker

Stacks194.2K

Followers143.8K

Votes3.9K

Azure Container Instances

Stacks37

Followers73

Votes0

Azure Container Instances vs Docker: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the key differences between Azure Container Instances and Docker. Both Azure Container Instances and Docker are popular technologies used for running containerized applications, but they have some fundamental differences that distinguish them from each other.

Container Orchestration: Azure Container Instances (ACI) is a serverless platform that provides a simple way to run containers without managing the underlying infrastructure. It is designed for scenarios where you want to run individual containers easily, without the need for orchestration. On the other hand, Docker is a containerization platform that allows you to build, ship, and run containers, but it requires additional tools and infrastructure to handle container orchestration.
Infrastructure Management: With ACI, you do not need to worry about managing and scaling the infrastructure. Azure takes care of provisioning and managing the necessary resources, allowing you to focus on running your containers. In contrast, Docker requires you to manage and configure the infrastructure on which containers are deployed. You need to set up and maintain the infrastructure using tools like Docker Swarm or Kubernetes.
Pricing Model: ACI offers a pay-per-use pricing model, where you are billed only for the time your containers are running. This makes ACI suitable for applications with unpredictable or variable workloads. On the other hand, Docker follows a subscription-based pricing model, where you pay for the Docker Enterprise Edition license. This model may be more cost-effective for applications with consistent or high-volume workloads.
Networking: ACI provides integrated networking capabilities, allowing containers to communicate with other resources within a virtual network. It also supports the option to expose containers to the public internet. With Docker, you need to configure the networking yourself, either by using the default Docker networking features or integrating with external networking solutions.
Platform Integration: ACI seamlessly integrates with other Azure services, such as Azure Storage and Azure Event Grid. This allows you to easily build applications that leverage the capabilities of different Azure services. Docker, on the other hand, is a standalone platform that can be used with any infrastructure or cloud provider. It does not offer the same level of integration with specific cloud services.
Deployment Flexibility: ACI offers flexibility in terms of deployment options. You can deploy containers directly from Docker Hub, Azure Container Registry, or any other container registry that supports Open Container Initiative (OCI) images. Docker also supports deployment from container registries, but it requires additional configuration and setup to integrate with different container registries.

In summary, Azure Container Instances provides a serverless and managed way to run containers without worrying about infrastructure management or orchestration, while Docker is a more flexible and standalone platform that requires additional tools and setup for container orchestration and infrastructure management.

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Advice on Docker, Azure Container Instances

Florian

IT DevOp at Agitos GmbH

Oct 22, 2019

Decided

lxd/lxc and Docker aren't congruent so this comparison needs a more detailed look; but in short I can say: the lxd-integrated administration of storage including zfs with its snapshot capabilities as well as the system container (multi-process) approach of lxc vs. the limited single-process container approach of Docker is the main reason I chose lxd over Docker.

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Detailed Comparison

Docker	Azure Container Instances
The Docker Platform is the industry-leading container platform for continuous, high-velocity innovation, enabling organizations to seamlessly build and share any application — from legacy to what comes next — and securely run them anywhere	It is a solution for any scenario that can operate in isolated containers, without orchestration. Run event-driven applications, quickly deploy from your container development pipelines, and run data processing and build jobs.
Integrated developer tools; open, portable images; shareable, reusable apps; framework-aware builds; standardized templates; multi-environment support; remote registry management; simple setup for Docker and Kubernetes; certified Kubernetes; application templates; enterprise controls; secure software supply chain; industry-leading container runtime; image scanning; access controls; image signing; caching and mirroring; image lifecycle; policy-based image promotion	Run containers without managing servers; Increase agility with containers on demand; Secure applications with hypervisor isolation
Statistics
Stacks 194.2K	Stacks 37
Followers 143.8K	Followers 73
Votes 3.9K	Votes 0
Pros & Cons
Pros 823 Rapid integration and build up 692 Isolation 521 Open source 505 Testability and reproducibility 460 Lightweight Cons 8 New versions == broken features 6 Documentation not always in sync 6 Unreliable networking 4 Moves quickly 3 Not Secure	No community feedback yet
Integrations
Java Docker Compose VirtualBox Linux Amazon EC2 Container Service Docker Swarm boot2docker Kubernetes Docker Machine Vagrant	No integrations available

What are some alternatives to Docker, Azure Container Instances?

Amazon EC2 Container Service

Amazon EC2 Container Service lets you launch and stop container-enabled applications with simple API calls, allows you to query the state of your cluster from a centralized service, and gives you access to many familiar Amazon EC2 features like security groups, EBS volumes and IAM roles.

Google Kubernetes Engine

Container Engine takes care of provisioning and maintaining the underlying virtual machine cluster, scaling your application, and operational logistics like logging, monitoring, and health management.

LXD

LXD isn't a rewrite of LXC, in fact it's building on top of LXC to provide a new, better user experience. Under the hood, LXD uses LXC through liblxc and its Go binding to create and manage the containers. It's basically an alternative to LXC's tools and distribution template system with the added features that come from being controllable over the network.

Containerum

Containerum is built to aid cluster management, teamwork and resource allocation. Containerum runs on top of any Kubernetes cluster and provides a friendly Web UI for cluster management.

LXC

LXC is a userspace interface for the Linux kernel containment features. Through a powerful API and simple tools, it lets Linux users easily create and manage system or application containers.

Azure Container Service

Azure Container Service optimizes the configuration of popular open source tools and technologies specifically for Azure. You get an open solution that offers portability for both your containers and your application configuration. You select the size, the number of hosts, and choice of orchestrator tools, and Container Service handles everything else.

Docker Cloud

Docker Cloud is the best way to deploy and manage Dockerized applications. Docker Cloud makes it easy for new Docker users to manage and deploy the full spectrum of applications, from single container apps to distributed microservices stacks, to any cloud or on-premises infrastructure.

rkt

Rocket is a cli for running App Containers. The goal of rocket is to be composable, secure, and fast.

Amazon EKS

Amazon Elastic Container Service for Kubernetes (Amazon EKS) is a managed service that makes it easy for you to run Kubernetes on AWS without needing to install and operate your own Kubernetes clusters.

Vagrant Cloud

Vagrant Cloud pairs with Vagrant to enable access, insight and collaboration across teams, as well as to bring exposure to community contributions and development environments.

Related Comparisons

Azure Container Instances vs Docker: What are the differences?

Introduction

Container Orchestration: Azure Container Instances (ACI) is a serverless platform that provides a simple way to run containers without managing the underlying infrastructure. It is designed for scenarios where you want to run individual containers easily, without the need for orchestration. On the other hand, Docker is a containerization platform that allows you to build, ship, and run containers, but it requires additional tools and infrastructure to handle container orchestration.
Infrastructure Management: With ACI, you do not need to worry about managing and scaling the infrastructure. Azure takes care of provisioning and managing the necessary resources, allowing you to focus on running your containers. In contrast, Docker requires you to manage and configure the infrastructure on which containers are deployed. You need to set up and maintain the infrastructure using tools like Docker Swarm or Kubernetes.
Pricing Model: ACI offers a pay-per-use pricing model, where you are billed only for the time your containers are running. This makes ACI suitable for applications with unpredictable or variable workloads. On the other hand, Docker follows a subscription-based pricing model, where you pay for the Docker Enterprise Edition license. This model may be more cost-effective for applications with consistent or high-volume workloads.
Networking: ACI provides integrated networking capabilities, allowing containers to communicate with other resources within a virtual network. It also supports the option to expose containers to the public internet. With Docker, you need to configure the networking yourself, either by using the default Docker networking features or integrating with external networking solutions.
Platform Integration: ACI seamlessly integrates with other Azure services, such as Azure Storage and Azure Event Grid. This allows you to easily build applications that leverage the capabilities of different Azure services. Docker, on the other hand, is a standalone platform that can be used with any infrastructure or cloud provider. It does not offer the same level of integration with specific cloud services.
Deployment Flexibility: ACI offers flexibility in terms of deployment options. You can deploy containers directly from Docker Hub, Azure Container Registry, or any other container registry that supports Open Container Initiative (OCI) images. Docker also supports deployment from container registries, but it requires additional configuration and setup to integrate with different container registries.

Azure Container Instances vs Docker

Overview

Azure Container Instances vs Docker: What are the differences?