...
- Virtual machines running in a cloud environment or on a farm made of virtual nodes
- just a simple VM for developers or end users
Containers
- a few technologies to consider Docker, Shifter (Nersk for HPC) and Singularity
- advantages over a full VM usually are:
- light weight
- better performance
- container has to be carefully built
- Docker: the container
- Shifter: NERSC container optimized for HPC
- Singularity: containers for scientist, compatible with Docker
Tabular Comparison
| Name | Docker | Singularity | Shifter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Goal | MicroServices, Enterprise applications | Application portability (one image with all dependencies) | Run Docker containers in HPC environment, Improve Docker security |
| UGE compatible |
but CC won't use it |  | |
| LSF compatible | | | |
| Security | User running docker commands needs to be in special docker group to gain elevated system access LSF improves the Docker security | User runs Singularity image without special privileges. | User run shifter image without special privileges. |
What systems need what kinds of containers?
...