Compare To Docker

Overview

Docker containers enable vendors to package software and deploy it consistently across environments. However, Docker alone doesn’t solve challenges related to managed services, data sovereignty, compliance, and observability, especially in regulated or air-gapped environments. Tensor9’s Any-Prem solution builds upon containerization to deliver software across any form factor—whether that’s AWS, Azure, GCP, or Kubernetes—without the need for custom engineering or rework.

TL;DR

Docker helps containerize applications but doesn’t solve the challenges of deploying and supporting SaaS products in diverse environments. Tensor9 automates deployment into customer environments, preserves managed services when possible, replaces them when necessary, and adds continuous observability and seamless updates.

Differences Between Docker-Based Deployments and Tensor9

Category	Docker-Based Deployments	Tensor9
Deployment Model	Application packaged as a container and deployed by the customer.	Vendor-provided package that adapts seamlessly to AWS, Azure, GCP, or Kubernetes environments.
Data Control	Data remains within the customer’s environment.	Data remains within the customer’s environment, with built-in support for hybrid and disconnected setups.
Managed Services Compatibility	Containers require manual replacement of managed services.	Retains managed services (e.g., Lambda, S3) when possible or replaces them automatically for Kubernetes.
Service Conversion	Vendors must convert services like Lambda to containers manually.	Automatically converts services like Lambda to containers if the customer requires an on-prem Kubernetes deployment.
Form Factor Flexibility	Requires custom builds or additional configuration for each form factor.	Supports multiple form factors (e.g., AWS, GCP, Kubernetes + air-gapped) without separate engineering efforts.
Software Updates	Requires customers to pull and apply updated container images manually.	Controlled, vendor-delivered updates that customers can review, approve, and apply seamlessly.
Observability	Customers must implement their own observability solutions.	Cloud-native observability replicated locally via digital twins, ensuring secure telemetry and logs.
Air-Gapped Environments	Complex to implement with offline container registries.	Fully supported with offline updates, secure workflows, and audit-logged debugging.
Support Model	Customer-managed with limited vendor assistance.	Secure vendor support with customer-controlled, audit-logged remote access for troubleshooting.
Operational Complexity	Requires managing container orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes).	Simplifies deployment with built-in orchestration and secure update workflows, minimizing operational overhead.

Why Choose Tensor9 Over Docker-Based Deployments?

Simplified Form Factor Support: While Docker containers are portable, supporting diverse environments (e.g., air-gapped, hybrid cloud) often requires manual configuration and managed service replacements. Tensor9 automates this process, making it seamless for vendors to deploy across any form factor.
Managed Service Preservation and Conversion: Docker-based deployments may require vendors to replace cloud-managed services with containerized open-source equivalents (e.g., S3 → MinIO) manually. Tensor9 preserves managed services in customer environments that match the vendor’s cloud provider. If customers require on-prem Kubernetes, Tensor9 automatically converts services (e.g., Lambda → containers) without vendor-side engineering.
Built-In Observability: Docker containers require separate observability solutions, adding complexity. Tensor9’s digital twin approach provides secure observability directly within the customer’s environment, ensuring visibility into logs and performance metrics.
Air-Gapped Support: Docker-based air-gapped deployments require complex offline container registries and manual processes. Tensor9 fully supports air-gapped environments with secure, offline updates and audit-logged support workflows.
Lower Maintenance Burden: Docker deployments often shift operational complexity to the customer, requiring them to manage container orchestration and updates. Tensor9 reduces this burden with vendor-packaged updates, built-in orchestration, and secure vendor-assisted support.

Summary

Tensor9 extends the portability of Docker by preserving managed services when possible and automating service replacements when necessary. It enables seamless, secure deployments across all environments while adding continuous deployment and observability. With Tensor9’s Any-Prem approach, vendors can deliver their software consistently while customers retain full control of their data without the need for additional engineering or manual reconfiguration.