As a professional DevOps developer, you are most definitely aware of Docker and its uses. Well, Docker is the easiest to use application developer platform. It helps you deploy and arrange applications to transfer them on to different systems.
While containerizing applications within Docker containers, you will need the best hosting platforms. These platforms will help you manage your containers and resources more effectively.
Generally, Docker requires a VPS or dedicated server to work properly. Without a suitable hosting platform, you won’t be able to deploy and develop applications.
Since you are in the search of finding the best platform for your application(s), you can follow this article as your ultimate Docker server guide. Before detailing our best picks, let’s first get our heads wrapped around the importance of a Docker server.
Why is Buying a Docker Server Important?
To put it simply, if you don’t buy a Docker server/hosting, you won’t be able to create containers in Docker. This is not good as they are at the heart of the entire Docker ecosystem. A Docker container wraps the libraries, settings, dependencies, and other requirements of an application into a single unit.
Later, you can put the container into a lightweight Docker image for an easy transfer. However, then you can create a Dockerfile in the main directory of the application to create a Docker image.
However, the whole process is not done by just the virtualization. In fact, Docker needs an additional operating system to do the whole process. For the containers to work, they need access to your native operating system’s kernel, memory, along with directories and resources. To do that, you have to search for the best Docker server, a.k.a. hosting.
There is a common difference between virtualization and containers. Virtualization requires a virtual system and an application. The virtual system should have an operating system installed inside of it. At the same time, there should be a physical server that would run the virtual machines and operating systems simultaneously.
On the other hand, a server runs multiple containerized applications, and the Docker runs on a single operating system. Every container within Docker will share the same operating system kernel with its neighbor containers.
The operating system gets divided into viewable only individual parts during the time of sharing. Each of the Docker containers writes the data within the shared operating systems. It results in a lightweight unit that uses less storage in the Docker system. Therefore, technically, an operating system or server is heavier than the containers.
10 Best Docker Server Platforms to Choose From
1. Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS)
Amazon Elastic Container Service, also known as ECS, is trusted by popular brands like Samsung, and GE. It helps you to build complicated Docker containers so that you can move them from one system to another without compromising on their quality.
This system gives you access to Amazon Fargate serverless compute engine to help you manage servers. It also improves the security of your application without any additional tweaks. ECS is completely user-friendly. Moreover, it can containerize both monolithic and microservice architecture containers.
Highlighted features of ECS
- Affordable pricing.
- Comes with high-end development tools.
- Provides an easy integration.
- Uses Amazon IAM and Amazon VPC to enhance security.
2. HostPresto
HostPresto is one of the most popular hosting platforms available in the market for creating Docker containers. You don’t have to invest time in monitoring your Docker containers once you host with HostPresto. Instead, you can dedicate that time to planning other important things, such as finding resources for the containers.
The hosting is also easy to use both for you and your team members. It is a super-fast cloud server where you can develop and release Docker containers efficiently. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you happen to don’t like HostPresto’s services, you have the choice to get your money back.
HostPresto comes with unlimited bandwidth that allows containerizing applications without limits. Along with that, they offer a feature that allows your team members to find out about the latest updates of your newly released containers.
Highlighted features of HostPresto
- A feature-rich docker server.
- A low-cost option.
- Comes from a reputed UK brand.
- Fast and efficient.
- Easy to operate with team members.
- Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. Docker
Since you are looking for the best hosting to host Docker containers, go for Docker itself. It is also known as dotCloud, which released Docker Engine for containerization in 2013.
Docker provides developers with everything they need to create and monitor Docker containers. The tools include Docker Engine, Docker Compose, GitHub integration, unlimited public repositories, one private repository, webhooks, automatic updates, Docker CLI, and Bitbucket integration.
Even if you avail the free plan, you’ll get all these tools. But with Docker Pro, you get more advanced incorporations. You will get access to unlimited data transfer, email support, unlimited image retention, and more. It also comes with a new team version where you can collaborate with your partners and avail more tools and features.
Highlighted features of Docker
- GitHub and Bitbucket integration.
- Email support.
- Low price.
- Free plan available.
- Integrated access-control.
- Its advanced version provides a handful of features.
4. Jelastic
Not only Docker, but Jelastic also supports hosting multiple application technologies, including Java, Python, Kubernetes, and JavaScript. Most developers prefer Jelastic because of its unique and flexible features. It also comes with a convenient pricing plan.
The Jelastic control panel is easy to handle, and it supports container-based virtualization technology. Therefore, you can easily run different virtual machines as well as containers on a single server with Jelastic.
Apart from that, Jelastic comes with an interactive file manager, built-in stats, access control, collaboration tools, and so on. It’s a cloud-based hosting that lets you host Docker containers on multiple cloud platforms, including PaaS and CaaS.
Highlighted features of Jelastic
- User-friendly interface.
- Comes with SSH access.
- Easy collaboration tools.
- Complete access-control.
- Automated traffic distribution.
- Separate user interfaces for developers and admins.
5. Sloppy.io
Sloppy.io is known to be one of the best Docker hosting platforms because of its fast and secure features. It has a detailed analytics feature where you can view the detailed statistics of the last 24 hours. These include memory, CPU usage, and incoming and outgoing traffic.
Also, Sloppy.io’s fast and secure processor will help you launch multiple Docker containers at the same time. Managing and starting containers with Sloppy is quite easy with its zero-downtime feature.
You can update the containers and start new ones simultaneously without losing the quality of speed with Sloppy.io. Also, while updating the containers, if there is a fault or technical glitch from your end, you can roll back to its previous version with ease.
Highlighted features of Sloppy.io
- Offers in-depth analytics.
- Comes with the WEB-based option.
- Supports images from public and private registries.
- Monitors CPU usage, network traffic, memory usage, and more.
- Robust email support.
6. Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is one of the best platforms to host and develop your applications. It comes with enterprise-grade infrastructure but at an affordable price. It comes with 3 plans, namely Basic, Standard, and Premium, that are designed to provide you with a simple and advanced storing and monetization process of Docker images.
With Azure, you can run modern and traditional Linux or Windows apps with the ultimate security support. Azure also offers Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) that lets you deploy Docker containers with more integrations. The whole process of creating applications with Microsoft Azure is simple, fast, and secure.
Highlighted features of Microsoft Azure
- Easy and advanced Azure admin interface.
- Geo-replication.
- Webhooks.
- Entirely secure system.
- Easy to manage network and configuration.
- Access to native infrastructure capabilities.
- Auto-configured load balancers.
7. Kamatera
Kamatera provides instant deployment and transfer of applications over the different cloud and system-based platforms. From here, you can deploy, manage, and operate all the applications with ease.
Kamatera has invested in the latest technologies and features that will help you build high-quality applications within a short period. Whatever you develop a Docker container with Kamatera, you can expect it to work with high performance and speed. It is one of the fastest and most reliable platforms for hosting Docker containers.
Highlighted features of Kamatera
- Worldwide network.
- Uses Intel Xeon Platinum processors.
- No commitment, you can cancel any time.
- Low pricing.
- Zero hardware maintenance.
- Deploy cloud infrastructure easily.
8. Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)
Google Kubernetes Engine supports four-way auto-scaling and multi-cluster to help you secure and manage Docker applications. With GKE, you don’t need to mull so much over containerizing applications.
All you need to do is a single click, and all the requirements and upgrades will be done from the interface itself. With GKE, you can scan the vulnerabilities of your containers automatically. Also, it comes with an automated data encryption feature.
Google’s engineers also do constant monitoring of your clusters and computing resources to make sure your containers are running properly. They will further inform you of the latest updates to ensure you get the best services possible.
Highlighted features of Google Kubernetes Engine:
- Single-click clusters.
- Reliable and secure.
- Fast and brilliant performance.
- Easy to use.
- 24/7 live chat and phone support without extra cost.
9. IBM Cloud
IBM Cloud is a simple and easy solution for building and moving Docker applications. Earlier in 2017, Docker has developed an exclusive version of the Docker Enterprise Edition, which is designed to run on IBM Cloud platform. IBM Cloud comes with advanced tools and features that let you combine all the advantages of the Docker engine and Watson.
IBM Cloud comes with Lite and Standard plans for meeting different types of application development needs. Both versions of the IBM cloud are reliable and provide advanced security, scanning, access controls, and comprehensive risk assessment. The Lite version is free for this server, but if you want the Standard version, you will have to pay a certain amount.
Highlighted features of IBM Cloud
- Vulnerability scanning.
- Flexible access controls.
- Managing applications is an easy process.
- Live chat and phone support 24/7.
10. Quay.io
Quay.io stores, creates, analyzes, and distributes your containers securely and speedily. To ensure that your apps are safe and private, Quay comes with a galore of integrated features. It is also designed for solidifying teamwork with powerful access control.
The Docker server has GitHub, Bitbucket, and many other integrations to help automate your Docker containers with ease. You can perform an easy deployment of Docker applications and containerize them in just a few clicks of your mouse. Like other quality Docker servers on the list, it comes with automatic security and vulnerability scanning.
Highlighted features of Quay
- Automate scanning for advanced security.
- Team-work made easy.
- Live chat support around the clock.
How to Choose the Best Docker Server?
While hosting containers, it’s important to know which operating system is the best environment for them. To know which operating system or Docker server is the best for hosting containers, you need to ask yourself several questions. You can decide which Docker system to choose based on the answers. These questions are:
Question: Do you need a server for more than just hosting?
Answer: If you want to do more than just hosting Docker, you will need to find a full-fledged Linux distribution. Examples of such Linux distros include Ubuntu, Red Hat, and SUSE. Other than these, you can go with a simple, bare-bones Linux distribution, such as Alpine Linux.
Question: Do you want to start from scratch?
Answer: If you want to build your own Docker container from scratch, you will need a general-purpose Linux distribution. In this case, you will need to install the Docker on your system all by yourself.
Question: Do you want to run Docker on a virtual machine or cloud?
Answer: Generally, you need an operating system that will support Docker to adjust in any kind of environment. Still, there are some servers, like Amazon Container Service (ECS) and Google Container Engine (GKE) that can create Docker containers that support cloud storage only.
However, ECS and GKE are Containers-as-a-Service (CaaS) and not operating systems. Some full-fledged distributions will help you install Docker on public clouds as well as on virtual machines.
Question: Are you trying to host Docker on Windows?
Answer: You can use Windows 10, or Windows Server 2016 to host Docker on your system. You can use any of these operating systems to create a server environment and create containers to seal applications.
Once you figure out what your intention is, you can go with the best Docker server and start your new project.
Conclusion
To build quality Docker applications, you will need the best Docker Server. Without the proper operating system, you won’t be able to create and distribute applications.
Make the pick from the list of the 10 best Docker server platforms according to your budget, requirements, and, of course, the answers you have for the aforementioned questions. All the best.