Container registries allow developers to create, store, and distribute container image files securely with controlled accessibility.
Many developers opt for container registries rather than other packages due to streamlined development processes. This is especially beneficial to enterprise app developers.
A container registry from JFrog, for example, can give enterprise application developers powerful development and deployment options.
And the reasons to utilize a container registry within application development environments are numerous.
Let’s take a closer look at why you need container registry and 7 impactful reasons why container registry is important for enterprise app developers.
Why Enterprise App Developers Need Container Registry
Having container registry part of your enterprise app development process can boost productivity via storing images during development.
This is very enticing to enterprise companies and development teams.
The registry is a collection of images that have been containerized, stored in a registry, and utilized during the software development process.
This is nothing new for developers. But having a registry makes developing applications far more effective due to the use of containers and native cloud technology.
Essentially, container registries help DevOps teams manage every container image in a single, secured, and simplified place.
And enterprise company stakeholders know just how important security is within software development projects.
This is why enterprise developers need container registry within the app development process.
From development to deployment, having a registry is critical to software success, bringing secure applications to market faster.
Now let’s get into the 7 reasons WHY container registry is a must-have for application developers on the enterprise level.
1. Developers Can Say Farewell To Virtualization During Application Development And Deployment
When it comes to registry, developers want to know the difference between virtualization and utilizing container files.
This is a question that can save enterprise companies a lot of time and money when developing software.
Virtualization technology is simply sharing and deploying packages via a virtual machine. This encompasses operating systems and the applications. And the process can be a bit clunky.
For example, a server (not cloud-based) that runs several virtual machines will need a hypervisor and separate operating systems for each virtual machine.
This all runs together. But with a containerized application with a registry, several apps can run on a single operating system.
This makes containers lean and more portable. Having a container registry in place will eliminate virtualization technology altogether.
Enterprise app developers are all about this reason why container registry is important for effective and efficient development and deployment.
2. Container Registry Fuels The Need For Speed In The Development Environment
Before containers and native cloud were a thing, developers relied on clunky virtualization technology to manage the massive applications being developed.
The complexity of the development and deployment processes without containers and native cloud made scaling very challenging for enterprise companies.
With containerized applications came native cloud technology. This was a game-changer. The speed of DevOps app development increased exponentially.
With Docker and Kubernetes, orchestration processes, scheduling, provisioning, and management within the entire development process was enhanced.
An example of how containers and container registry added speed to the development and deployment process comes from Shopify.
Shopify was an early adopter of containers, and it revolutionized the enterprise companies DevOps.
“At Shopify we prefer ‘thin’ containers that do exactly one thing, such as a unicorn master and workers for serving web requests, or a Resque worker servicing a particular queue,” Shopify engineers explained.
“Thin containers allow fine-grained scaling to match demand. For example, we can increase the number of Resque workers checking for spam in response to an attack.”
3. Container Images Gain Greater Security
Secure container image files are essential, especially in today’s digital era with cybercriminals around every digital corner.
Having important repositories at risk for cyberattacks or unknowing leaks from those who shouldn’t have access to files needs to be addressed.
When it comes to enterprise applications and software, sensitive data needs to be secured. This can thwart potential cyber attacks, leaks, and poor public relations. A cyber attack or data leak can also be very costly for enterprise companies.
A private container registry, like Docker, can keep container image file security a top priority. You can get unprecedented control over apps, as well as access control of container images. This decreases those security risks.
Enterprise app developers who utilize container registries can decrease the number of people who can download image files. Up-time and other security measures are also reasons why container registry is important.
4. Identify Problems Early On In The Development Process
Container registries also serve up insights into problems that could slow development, and deployment, as well as keep costs low when fixing problems.
As an enterprise application developer, you know just how expensive it can be if a problem is not identified and dealt with early on.
In some cases, a project will need to be completely redone if a problem is not identified and fixed early on.
When a container registry is in place, you get reassurance that time and money is not lost. Because container registry helps app developers identify those troublesome problems fast.
This gives you the opportunity to fix problems quickly and keep the overall app project on track. Container registries continuously scan containers for vulnerabilities, giving developers insight into any problem early. Fixes can then happen immediately.
5. Automation Is Part Of The Application Development Process
One of the most enticing features container registries serve up is automation.
Application developers in the enterprise space utilize container registries to automate a number of development and deployment processes to maximize efficiency.
Why do enterprise app developers love automation? It allows them to decrease those responsibilities. Developers wear a number of hats, especially in an enterprise company.
If automation can help developers decrease the number of hats they wear, the better.
Employing a container registry in enterprise application development can do this. Daily tasks are completed faster, giving developers more time in the day to focus on updates and software improvements.
This adds value to the company since time to market means more profits.
6. Collaboration Becomes Easier Within The Development Environment
Another reason why container registry is important for enterprise app developers is the uptick in team collaboration.
As you may know as an enterprise developer, when communication and collaboration go up, projects are completed faster and are of higher quality.
Having container registry in place gives developers the ability to manage projects more effectively, control accessibility, automate tasks, and ensure all team members are on track when it comes to important processes.
When it comes to enterprise application development, container registries are a must for streamlining the overall project.
From management to security, collaboration and communication is at the forefront when using container registries.
7. Deployment Is Enhanced With Container Registry
Deployment is such a critical step in the application development process. And when utilizing a container registry, deployment is simplified.
You deploy securely, and the ability to scale when needed is always an option.
Enterprise deployments with container registries reinforce the development architecture and create a more reliable, long-term application.
And portability is at the top of the list as well. Never worry about deployment issues with container registry in place.
Wrapping Up . . .
Developers know the importance of having a container registry for application development and deployment.
The importance is amplified for enterprise developers because the stakes are much higher.
From top-notch security and control to streamlined deployments, having a container registry is essential. Are you using a container registry in your enterprise development environment?