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Docker Swarm vs OpenStack: What are the differences?
Introduction
Docker Swarm and OpenStack are both popular tools used for managing and orchestrating containerized applications in a distributed environment. However, there are key differences between these two technologies that set them apart. In this article, we will explore and compare the differences between Docker Swarm and OpenStack.
Scalability and Size: Docker Swarm is designed for smaller scale deployments, typically consisting of a few hundred nodes. On the other hand, OpenStack is built to handle large-scale deployments, with the ability to manage thousands of nodes. OpenStack's architecture allows for greater scalability, making it well-suited for enterprise-level operations.
Containerization vs. Virtualization: Docker Swarm focuses on containerization, allowing multiple applications to run on a single host OS using container technology. OpenStack, on the other hand, uses virtualization technologies such as KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine), allowing for the creation and management of virtual machines (VMs). This difference in approach can impact resource utilization and management capabilities.
Ease of Use: Docker Swarm is often considered simpler to set up and use, with a more straightforward architecture and a smaller learning curve. OpenStack, on the other hand, can be more complex and challenging to deploy and manage, requiring more expertise and experience.
Application Portability: Docker Swarm provides a high level of application portability, enabling applications to run consistently across different environments. OpenStack, on the other hand, is primarily used for infrastructure deployment and management, focusing less on application portability. Docker Swarm's focus on containerization makes it more suitable for applications that require environment independence and faster deployment.
Community and Ecosystem: Docker Swarm benefits from being part of the broader Docker ecosystem, which includes a vast community of users, extensive documentation, and a rich selection of pre-built Docker images. OpenStack, on the other hand, has its own vibrant community and ecosystem, featuring a wide range of plugins, extensions, and integration options.
Maturity and Stability: Docker Swarm is relatively newer compared to OpenStack and is still evolving. OpenStack, on the other hand, has been in development for a longer period and has a more mature and stable codebase. This difference in maturity level can impact stability, reliability, and the availability of features and tooling.
In summary, Docker Swarm offers simplicity, application portability, and a strong community, making it suitable for smaller scale deployments. OpenStack, on the other hand, provides scalability, manageability, and extensive virtualization capabilities, making it better suited for larger scale and enterprise environments.
Our whole DevOps stack consists of the following tools:
- GitHub (incl. GitHub Pages/Markdown for Documentation, GettingStarted and HowTo's) for collaborative review and code management tool
- Respectively Git as revision control system
- SourceTree as Git GUI
- Visual Studio Code as IDE
- CircleCI for continuous integration (automatize development process)
- Prettier / TSLint / ESLint as code linter
- SonarQube as quality gate
- Docker as container management (incl. Docker Compose for multi-container application management)
- VirtualBox for operating system simulation tests
- Kubernetes as cluster management for docker containers
- Heroku for deploying in test environments
- nginx as web server (preferably used as facade server in production environment)
- SSLMate (using OpenSSL) for certificate management
- Amazon EC2 (incl. Amazon S3) for deploying in stage (production-like) and production environments
- PostgreSQL as preferred database system
- Redis as preferred in-memory database/store (great for caching)
The main reason we have chosen Kubernetes over Docker Swarm is related to the following artifacts:
- Key features: Easy and flexible installation, Clear dashboard, Great scaling operations, Monitoring is an integral part, Great load balancing concepts, Monitors the condition and ensures compensation in the event of failure.
- Applications: An application can be deployed using a combination of pods, deployments, and services (or micro-services).
- Functionality: Kubernetes as a complex installation and setup process, but it not as limited as Docker Swarm.
- Monitoring: It supports multiple versions of logging and monitoring when the services are deployed within the cluster (Elasticsearch/Kibana (ELK), Heapster/Grafana, Sysdig cloud integration).
- Scalability: All-in-one framework for distributed systems.
- Other Benefits: Kubernetes is backed by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), huge community among container orchestration tools, it is an open source and modular tool that works with any OS.
Pros of Docker Swarm
- Docker friendly55
- Easy to setup46
- Standard Docker API40
- Easy to use38
- Native23
- Free22
- Clustering made easy13
- Simple usage12
- Integral part of docker11
- Cross Platform6
- Labels and annotations5
- Performance5
- Easy Networking3
- Shallow learning curve3
Pros of OpenStack
- Private cloud60
- Avoid vendor lock-in39
- Flexible in use23
- Industry leader7
- Robust architecture5
- Supported by many companies in top5004
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Cons of Docker Swarm
- Low adoption9
Cons of OpenStack
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What is Docker Swarm?
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