Docker hosting isn’t like other hosting in that the people who use it are typically highly technical. They’re the people who know they need something like Docker hosting because they need to be in control of their own environment.
The problem is that there are so many options for Docker hosting, it can be daunting to weed through them all and find which one has the features you need. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best Docker hosting providers. We chose these companies based on features, design, and level of support and experience. No matter if you’re new to the world of programming or if you’ve been around the block a time or two, you’ll find a suitable host for whatever project you’re working on.
What is a Docker?
A Docker is a container. This means that you aren’t running a full operating system, but instead, just the pieces of an OS that you need. That typically includes only the things like the kernel and some libraries to be able to run your application. There are a few advantages to this.
First, with a Docker host, you can have multiple containers running at the same time. This means that you can have multiple applications running simultaneously and be able to switch between them without having to reboot your host. If the application crashes, it won’t be because of the host. The containers will continue to run, and you’ll be able to reboot and restart it easily, provided that you’ve set up a different container as a replacement in case you have to do so.
Why do you need Docker hosting?
Docker hosting gives you a way to work with your applications using containers. It lets you test your software in isolation without needing to use a full machine. You can set up your own virtual machine cloud and run whatever you want in it. You’ll be able to treat the containers as if they were real machines inside that virtual machine or at least pretend that they are.
What should you look for in a good Docker host?
A good host for Docker should have:
- Fast container creation
Docker support on all the platforms you want to use your containers on. If they don’t support it, it’s not worth using them.
2. High-available containers
If you’re planning on having more than one container running at once and you want to ensure that your host is always available, then it’s important to use the same technology for those containers as you would in this case. That means using containers that have high availability. If you’re running a web application that requires lots of resources, you don’t want to set up a poor container and then find out later that it’s not available when you need it to be.
3. High-performance containers
Most of the time, people who use Docker will be using them for performance-related reasons. If you’re building a high-performance WordPress site, then you’ll need a high-performance container to run on.
4. Features
You don’t want to be paying for features that you don’t need. You need a host that’s going to meet your needs and all the requirements of whatever you’re building at the same time.
Here are some of the best choices for hosting your next Docker project
1. Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is the cloud computing platform from Microsoft. It has a host of features that are optimized for running applications both in containers and virtual machines. Azure even allows you to define your own custom virtual machine configurations and choose the hardware that you want to use based on your needs. This enables you to get the performance you need if you’re running a high-performance application or even multiple applications. It’s completely scalable and flexible, and it’s easy to configure.
You can also use Azure as a way to test out your applications before you commit to deploying them on Azure using their free trial. You can test them out in a virtual environment with the tools you need and can even run all of the performance tests for your app before you actually deploy it on Azure for real.
Here are a few of the benefits of using Microsoft Azure
1. Microsoft Azure allows you to create multiple virtual machines
You’ll be able to set up a fully functioning server environment that includes several virtual machines. Your application can run on its own virtual machine, and you’ll have control over it.
2. You can scale your containers up or down very easily
You can scale up your containers in just a few clicks of the mouse. You’ll be able to do this from within your virtual machine or from your server’s command line.
3. Microsoft Azure has a management console
If you want to move between different projects and keep all your data in one place, you don’t want to mess with multiple systems. Microsoft Azure allows you to manage everything from your browser and from about any device.
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2. Vultr
Vultr is a cloud computing company that allows you to set up your server environment and do it all from one location. You can quickly start creating your servers, as well as virtual machines, and checking them out to be sure that they’re running. You can set up your machine and keep it running there as long as you like.
Vultr provides a lot of different apps and options for creating and using your Docker hosting platform. You can set up your application in a custom virtual machine if you want to, or you can use a container if that works better for you. The critical thing is that you have a lot of flexibility regarding what you want to do with your hosting and how you want to do it. You can also set up a dedicated server if that’s more convenient for you.
Here are a few of the benefits of using Vultr:
1. Vultr has different pricing options
If you need a low-end server, then Vultr will have a plan for you. If you are looking for a high-performance server, they will also have one available to meet your needs.
2. Vultr provides a management platform
If you want to manage your servers from a simple GUI instead of a command line, Vultr will have that option ready for use. You can manage all of your servers and all of your containers from one location.
3. Vultr gives you complete control over your server setup
You’ll be able to set up the server exactly the way you want it to be. You can install software packages, review security posture, and manage where your data is stored.
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3. Amazon ECS
Amazon ECS is a container service that allows you to deploy and run applications and services. You can use their services as part of larger container platforms, or you can use them independently for just your application needs. Amazon ECS has a unique model that includes a container service, an execution environment, and runtime services.
Amazon ECS is a great platform for anyone that wants to set up and manage a container environment, especially if you are new to setting up virtual machines and containers. You can use the Amazon ECS console as your complete control panel for resource management and application deployment.
Here are a few of the benefits of using Amazon ECS
1. You get access to a lot of different services and applications
Amazon ECS is part of the Amazon Web Services suite. This means that you get access to a huge library of different applications and services, which you can put to work within your container hosting platform.
2. You can set up and manage containers from the same console
The Amazon ECS console is one place where you can deploy, manage, and scale your containers. You’ll be able to monitor them as they run so that you have continuous monitoring of your container environment.
3. You’ll be able to monitor resource utilization
One key benefit of Amazon ECS is that it will monitor your system usage. This can be used for several different purposes. For instance, one of the key benefits of Amazon ECS is that it can monitor container management resources to make sure they are not running out of space. Another benefit is that it can monitor your containers’ CPU and memory utilization to make sure they are not under utilized.
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4. Google Cloud Run
Google Cloud Run is a container management platform that is fully integrated with the Google Cloud Platform. As such, you’ll be able to use the Google Cloud Console to manage your container hosting environment. You’ll also be able to use Google’s IAM (Identity and Access Management) model to manage your container hosting environment.
Google Cloud Run is very similar to Amazon ECS. In fact, you can use either service to easily manage your container hosting environment. However, Google Cloud Run does offer a few advantages over Amazon ECS. For instance, Google Cloud Run can run containers using several different runtime platforms like Node.js, Java, or Python. Amazon ECS, on the other hand, only runs Docker containers.
Here are a few of the benefits of using Google Cloud Run
1. Faster deployment
Instead of waiting for the ECS cluster to reboot and launch containers, a Google Cloud Run cluster can be up within a matter of seconds.
2. Independent scheduling
A container cluster can be scheduled independently and can scale up as much as required. It also allows for scheduling multiple tasks on the same instances: a single task instance powers multiple containers.
3. Container images
You will be able to manage your container images from the Google Cloud Console. You’ll be able to create, view, and edit container images without having to do anything with a terminal or shell.
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5. StackPath
StackPath is a cloud computing platform that is focused primarily on container hosting. They provide an excellent service for cost-effective container hosting that includes more features than most other services like them.
StackPath is a unique model that includes a system for managing your application across multiple platforms, multiple regions, and multiple devices. You can manage all of those things from one place, which makes this service very exciting. It’s very easy to set up and manage your StackPath container hosting environment.
Here are a few of the benefits of using StackPath
1. You get a lot of extra features
If you’re paying for hosting, you want to get as much value as possible. StackPath gives you a number of features that are not necessarily available on other services like it. You’ll be able to use different clusters, and StackPath even allows you to create your own system.
2. You get several different options for scaling
This service is very flexible. You can scale up and down your servers quickly from the StackPath Control Panel.
3. It’s easy to get started
If you’re new to using containers or containers in general, then StackPath is going to be a good place for you. It’s easy to set up and manage your environment from the very start.
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6. Jelastic
Jelastic is a cloud computing service that offers several different options for hosting your applications and websites. You can choose between containers and virtual machines, depending on what you’re setting up.
Jelastic has a feature that makes it perfect for hosting Docker-based applications. Automated Docker Management allows you to set up and manage your containers without having to use the command line. You can even set up your application and direct it to load balance across multiple servers.
Here are a few of the benefits of using Jelastic
1. It’s easy to maintain and monitor applications
If you’re hosting your application in a container, it can be challenging to monitor and maintain your application. Jelastic has an easy-to-use browser-based interface so you can easily manage your container hosting environment from any device.
2. You can scale your application up and down as needed
If you’re running a high-performance application, you don’t want to have to set up all of your containers simultaneously. You will be able to scale up or down any container as needed.
3. You can add multiple database options
You might need to run your application on more than one database. Jelastic allows you to pick the one that works best for your needs. Others may not be as flexible.
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Conclusion
There are many options for hosting your application. The key thing is to choose one that gives you the performance and flexibility you need. Make sure to test out your host before you set up your application so that you can make sure everything works the way it’s supposed to.
Each hosting provider has its own way of doing things. This is usually shown in the convenience, pricing, and management of your containers. Make sure you are comfortable with the way your host works. If not, then it might not be a good fit for you.