Top 6 Docker Alternatives

Docker is a tool used to simplify the application packaging and deployment process. Docker images, which contain the code, libraries and dependencies needed to run an application, are used to create containers. Since containerized applications are lightweight and portable, they are easy to share and distribute.

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The Use of Containers as Part of Cloud Security

Containers integrated into cloud security strategies offer plenty benefits:

Application Isolation: Because containers are pre-packaged, they include all necessary dependencies. This reduces the potential for security breaches. Isolation of Docker containers limits the ability of malicious code in one container to affect others.
Portability: A key benefit of containers is that they run consistently across different environments. The easy replication of container security configurations further simplifies security management.
Resource Utilization: Because containers utilize the host operating system’s kernel, they effectively reduce the attack surface

The need for a Docker Alternative

Application containers such as Docker comes with their own security challenges:

Kernel Vulnerabilities: Vulnerabilities that target the host system’s kernel may affect running containers.
Misconfigurations: Improperly configured or otherwise vulnerable containers can be exploited by malicious actors, which risks exposing sensitive data or allowing unauthorized access.
Compromised Images: Malicious code injected during the build process, or running within container images, can compromise the containerized application.

To mitigate these risks, use trusted and secure containers from reliable sources, control root access to containers, implement runtime security controls, and utilize network segmentation to isolate containers.

How to Choose a Docket Alternative

When choosing an open-source alternative to Docker, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses by asking these questions:

Required Use Case: What are the specific application needs, including scalability requirements, resource constraints, and security demands?
Image Management: How does the tool handle image creation, versioning and storage?
Orchestration Capabilities: What key features exist for management and automation of container deployments, scaling and networking?
Security Features: Does the tool offer vulnerability scanning, runtime protection, or secure image signing?
Ease of Use: What is the tool’s learning curve, documentation, and overall user experience?
Open Source Community: Is there a strong open source community which can provide support, bug fixes and advanced features?
Commercial or Community Support: Does the tool offer paid support, and if not, does the community-driven support meet your needs?
Container Platform Compatibility: Does the tool support the desired operating system and cloud platform production environment?
Ecosystem Maturity: Consider the tool’s stability, availability of integrations, plugins, and community-developed resources.
Long-term Maintainability: Does the tool have sustainable funding and a clear roadmap for future development?

6 Docker Alternatives

Docker may not always be the right tool for the job. There are various container alternative technologies with their own unique advantages and disadvantages:

#1. Podman – Daemonless Docker Alternative

Because Podman doesn’t require a daemon, it lets developers run containers as a non-root user, reducing the attack surface. It offers a command line interface similar to that of Docker, easing the difficulty of transition. Its architecture improves network isolation, has secure defaults, and supports SELinux.

Because Podman is relatively new compared to Docker, its smaller ecosystem limits the number of images and tools available.

The bottom line: Podman is a viable alternative for organizations seeking Linux-native tooling and higher security in containerization workflows.

#2. Containerd – OCI Complaint Standardization & Scalability

An industry-standard, lightweight container runtime that follows the Open Container Initiative (OCI) standard method of managing containers across virtual environments. containerd serves as the runtime foundation for other containerization interfaces, including both Docker and Podman, and is also compatible with Kubernetes. Its small footprint, scalability and support for multiple orchestrators are key advantages.

However its simple architecture lacks the more robust features found in higher-level containerization alternatives, while its minimalistic design makes it less ideal for new users.

The bottom line: containerd is best utilized by organizations with experienced container users with a need for OCI-compliant standardization and scalability.

#3. CRI-O – High Performance Kubernetes Integration

CRI-O is an implementation of the Kubernetes Container Runtime Interface (CRI). It is a high performance container runtime with a focus on speed and efficiency for production use cases, and is designed specifically for use in a Kubernetes security setting. CRI-O provides strong security features, including support for AppArmor and seccomp.

Because CRI-O focuses exclusively on the Kubernetes ecosystem, it naturally has a narrower scope of environment compatibility, with limited support for other orchestration tools.

The bottom line: CRI-O’s high performance and seamless Kubernetes integration makes it a strong contender for organizations working on that platform.

#4. LXC – Lightweight Virtualization Solution

LXC (Linux Containers) is a lightweight virtualization solution that provides strong process isolation and control when compared to other container runtimes. LXC focuses on fine-grained control over system resources, enhanced security and flexibility, and easy container snapshots and backups.

LXC has a smaller ecosystem compared to Docker. Its flexibility comes at the cost of a steeper learning curve, with higher setup complexity compared to other container technologies. The availability of LXD, an Ubuntu-specific container management tool built on top of LXC, somewhat mitigates this complexity.

The bottom line: LXC is best suited for developers who desire granular control over their containers and is particularly suited for Ubuntu environments.

#5. runc: – Low-Level Command Line Tool

This is a low-level command line tool for running containers, and is compatible with the OCI runtime specification. It is used by various other container runtimes, including both Docker and containerd. Its simplicity and minimalism make it fast and light on resource usage, while being easy to understand and manage.

On the downside, runc lacks many of the capabilities found in full-featured applications like Docker or Podman, and beginners may find its minimalistic design challenging to learn.

The bottom line: runc is appropriate for advanced container users seeking a lightweight runtime for running OCI-compliant containers.

#6. rkt: – Native Pod Support

Pronounced “rocket,” rkt natively supports running multiple containers together as a single entity called a pod. It allows for users to create complex container setups using composable building blocks, and its reliance on Linux namespaces and cgroups allows for strong process isolation. rkt is also an OCI-compatible runtime.

rkt’s focus on security and isolation make it more daunting for non-technical users, and its advanced featureset make for a more challenging configuration and management outlook. rkt also de-emphasizes compatibility with Kubernetes.

The bottom line: rkt is an attractive option for organizations with experienced users that have requirements for native pod support, high security, and easy integration into larger systems.

Docker Security with CloudGuard

Containers are a core technology used in many aspects of software development. A number of strong containerization alternatives to Docker exist, each with their own unique feature set, capabilities and security profile.

Still, Docker’s ease of use, large user base, and vibrant ecosystem makes it the bellwether of the containerization space. For a deeper dive into securing Docker deployments, read Check Point’s comprehensive Guide to Container Security.

It’s clear that organizations must take a comprehensive approach to securing Docker deployments. Check Point’s CloudGuard offers automated container security, with a suite of features designed to safeguard Docker environments. CloudGuard’s proactive threat detection capabilities can identify and block threats to the entire container lifecycle, ensuring organizations can meet high security standards and stay in regulatory compliance.

To learn more about zero-trust container security, multi-cloud container security and autonomous detection and mitigation of container threats, schedule a demo of Check Point’s industry-leading container security today.