2025 - 02 - 05

Docker and Kubernetes: Essential definitions
- Docker : A containerization solution that allows to group an application and its dependencies (libraries, configuration files) in a lightweight and portable container.
- Kubernetes : An open source container orchestrator designed to deploy, manage and scale Docker applications (or other containers) in an automated manner.
In other words, Docker creates and runs the containers, while Kubernetes takes care of their large-scale orchestration.
The role of Docker in containerization
- Isolation : Each container works as a virtual microsystem, containing the code, libraries and runtime needed for the application.
- Portability : Containers can be moved from the development machine to production without risk of conflicts or incompatibilities.
- Lightweight : Unlike a virtual machine, Docker shares the host kernel, which reduces resource consumption.
The role of Kubernetes in orchestration
- Lifecycle management : Kubernetes monitors the status of each container and can automatically restart those that fail.
- Dynamic scaling : Kubernetes automatically scales the number of containers based on traffic or load.
- Network and service discovery : It manages inter-container (mesh) communication, load balancing and the exposure of your applications to the outside world.
The key differences between Docker and Kubernetes
- Level of responsibility : Docker takes care of the container execution environment, while Kubernetes focuses on distribution and overall management.
- Ecosystem : Docker includes various tools (Docker Engine, Docker Compose, Docker Hub), while Kubernetes has a wide range of components (and can support other runtimes than Docker).
- Complexity : Docker is relatively easy to learn solo, while Kubernetes requires a higher learning curve to take full advantage of its orchestration capabilities.
Implement a DevOps infrastructure with Docker and Kubernetes
Docker + Kubernetes is often seen as the backbone of a modern DevOps infrastructure. It enables:
- Continuous delivery : Teams integrate, test and deploy their code quickly, seamlessly between developers and operations.
- Microservices architecture : Each application functionality is contained in a standalone, deployable and scalable service on demand.
- High availability : Kubernetes can replicate services across multiple nodes, ensuring resilience to hardware or software failures.
UNIVIRTUAL offer to orchestrate your containers
With UNIVIRTUAL’s DevOps Kubernetes infrastructure, you can benefit from a complete support to build a reliable and scalable platform:
- Optimal performance : High-end resources (ECC RAM, high-frequency CPU, NVMe/SSD storage) ensure minimal response time.
- Advanced automation : We implement CI/CD pipelines and orchestration scripts (Terraform, Helm) to deploy your containers with complete peace of mind.
- Enhanced security : Continuous monitoring, anti-DDoS protection and automated backups to protect your data and services.
- Dedicated support : Discover our tailored solutions, including initial audit, deployment and daily maintenance of your Kubernetes cluster.
Conclusion
Docker and Kubernetes each have a separate role: the former is responsible for creating and running containers, the latter for orchestrating them and scaling them. Together, they form the basis of a modern and agile DevOps infrastructure, enabling rapid deployments, high availability and simplified microservices management.
You want to go further in the orchestration of your containers?
Visit UNIVIRTUAL to see how our experts can design and optimize your Docker/Kubernetes platform while maintaining great value for money and cutting-edge performance.