Using an ASUSTOR NAS with Docker

Docker is a set of platform as a service products that uses OS-level virtualization to deliver software in packages called containers. Docker virtualizes an interface exactly the same as the underlying hardware functions, allowing you to quickly build, test, and deploy applications. In short, it is a software environment that simulates a hardware environment.

Docker packages your application with the operating environment, making the app compatible across all platforms and easier to move between different hardware.
Since Docker can package the app in an environment that makes it easier to execute in a container, a container is able to execute wherever Docker is installed. There is no need to rebuild the app or environment every time and it runs on almost any type of hardware.

As an emerging virtualization method, Docker has many advantages over traditional virtualization.
First, because its lightweight, Docker containers start very quickly and faster than traditional virtual machines. Second, Docker uses system resources very efficiently, and thousands of Docker containers can be executed simultaneously on a single host.

Docker has several components, of which three are the most important components of Docker.

Images are used to launch the actual application in the container. This concept is similar to the image of a VM. The VM uses the image to start the operating system and run needed services and drivers, but the Docker image is just the read-only storage component.

Containers are application executables. Docker provides an independent and secure environment for application execution and are created from image files to run on the host.

Registries are used to store image files created by Docker. Image files can be uploaded to registries to share with others. Registries are also divided into public and private. General public registries are found on the Docker hub, which provides all basic images uploaded by users worldwide.

Imagine deploying a server that contains an unfamiliar operating system with requirements to install apps like php7 and MySQL. In unfamiliar environments, installation may be difficult, tedious or a waste of time. Docker simplifies this and makes installation of apps easier than ever. In addition to executing applications within the container, the container itself does not consume additional system resources, keeping application performance high whereas traditional virtual machines may need to be initiated for each application, thus increasing system resource use. Docker only requires one virtual machine for as many apps as necessary.
Advantages to using Docker:

Generally speaking, containers are like virtualization apps implemented at the operating system level, using the local host operating system directly, while traditional methods are implemented at the hardware level. Different virtual machines require independent operating systems to communicate the level of control hardware, requiring higher amounts of system resources.

ADM is an operating system based on the Linux Kernel and is compatible with Docker. ASUSTOR provides the Docker Community Edition (CE) on most models*. After downloading and installing from App Central, Docker apps on an ASUSTOR NAS and start deploying containers provided by developers on Docker Hub to further customize the experience on an ASUSTOR NAS. Apps, services, or various server functions are supported, thereby enhancing the experience on an ASUSTOR NAS.