From VMWARE to docker: Transitioning from virtualization to containerization for modern applications

Abstract

Virtualization and containerization are two prominent approaches for optimizing IT infrastructure, each with distinct characteristics. Virtualization, exemplified by VMware, provides complete isolation and compatibility with legacy systems, but it incurs higher resource overhead and slower performance. Containerization, primarily through Docker, offers better resource efficiency, faster startup times, and superior scalability, though it sacrifices some isolation. This study compares the two technologies based on factors such as resource utilization, scalability, performance, and portability, demonstrating that containerization generally offers a more efficient, flexible solution for modern IT environments.