Containerization is one of the most popular methods of deploying and managing software now. In fact, it could reinvent the working style of development teams. It is so popular that people think that Dockers are containers. However, Docker is just another open-source DevOps tool available out there for containerization. You can find many other alternatives that you can use for containerization out there. From this article, we will share some of the best Docker alternatives that are available to help you boost productivity.

What is Docker all about?
Before taking a look at the list of Docker alternatives, let's learn more about what Docker is all about. As mentioned earlier, Docker is a DevOps tool that anyone can use for free. Back in the day, Docker was only compatible with Linux. However, now it is fully compatible with macOS and Windows. By using the Docker technology, it is possible for the developers to create their applications with run-time tools, OS, and many other dependencies. Even if Docker provides a large number of features, the process of maintaining it is quite easy. For example, you will not have to go through any challenging processes from building applications to maintaining them. On the other hand, Docker provides management through command interfaces and APIs for numerous environments as well. Also, cloud strategy consulting firms are using docker technologies because of its wide range of features but the given below alternatives can also be helpful.

What are the best Docker alternatives?
Even though Docker is so popular, it is not an easy tool for anyone to use. For example, it will require a considerable amount of time to figure out the intricacies associated with Docker. On the other hand, complete beginners will have a difficult time understanding Docker as well. If you are one of them, you can take a look at the below Docker alternatives available.

Serverless Architecture
The popularity of serverless architecture is increasing among numerous organizations. That’s mainly because this architecture doesn’t need you to have a server in order to execute applications. As a result, there is no need to maintain or manage a server. Based on this, it is possible for the DevOps teams to focus their energy on other aspects related to deployments. The biggest benefit that you can get out of serverless architecture is the ability to overcome maintenance activities, where you have to offload aspects related to the cloud vendor. You really don't need to go through a learning curve to get used to a serverless architecture.

Virtual Machines from VMWare
It looked like VMWare would lose relevance, but it will not happen anytime soon. VMWare is holding a prominent place in virtualization. You can consider it as one of the best alternatives available for Docker technology as of now. The key difference that you can find between VMWare and Docker is that Docker is focusing on its resources at the Operating System level, whereas VMWare tries to virtualize everything on the hardware level. Along with VMWare, you will also be able to gain access to the vSphere house, which is offering numerous tools to help cloud virtualization a success.

Monolithic applications
Monolithic applications are another great alternative available for Docker. It would employ GCP, Azure, and AWS virtual machines. For example, if you pick AWS and go ahead with an EC2 instance, it will be possible for you to get the basic OS and the other essentials needed to get your work done. On the other hand, Amazon Machine Image or AMI can assist you with creating a unique VM within the very same instance. You have the freedom to use your AMI for specific instances. However, you should also keep in mind that AMI is not something lightweight when compared to docker.

Apache Mesos
Apache is quite popular as an open-source platform. The open-source container tool offered by Apache is Apache Mesos. The tool was created by Apache Software Foundation in C+++ language. When you deep dive and take a look at the functionality of Apache Mesos, you will notice that it can differentiate virtual resources out of hardware and provide you with the ability to run applications. On the other, you can proceed with executing Hadoop, Kubernetes, and many other similar tools within Apache Mesos.

Hashicorp Vagrant
Hashicorp Vagrant is an open-source tool available for managing the software deployment process. The most unique thing about Hashicorp Vagrant is that it has a unique workflow that facilitates automation. If you are a user of Hashicorp Vagrant, you will be able to go ahead and create mobile development ecosystems automatically. If you are going to use microservices for your developments, Vagrant is a great option available to try. Various firms that offers cloud technology consulting, DevOps consulting and other related services are somehow exploring the Hashicorp Vagrant opportunities also.

Final Words
These are some of the best Docker alternatives available for you to try as of now. Pick the right tool out of these, and you will be able to boost your productivity. If you are looking for cloud computing consulting services, you can reach out to Hexaview Technologies - a leading cloud consulting service provider.