Digi International Inc. launched Digi Containers, a software service that enables the development and operation of custom applications on Digi cellular routers that run DAL OS. Digi Containers leverage the Digi Remote Manager® platform as the central portal for deploying and managing these applications. The Digi Containers service helps developers take the fullest advantage of edge computing by providing the flexibility to deploy new services and apps while consolidating edge-processing hubs.

These edge applications offer low latency and near-real-time responsiveness with the agility to respond to evolving use cases. Through Digi Containers, developers employ Lightweight Linux Containers (LXCs) — essentially virtual machines (VMs) that share the physical device's running kernel. This enables processes inside a container to run at native speed as if they are actually running directly on the host device.

Since containers are lightweight and portable, they offer both security and flexibility. This enables developers to expand on the capabilities of Digi solutions to support specific needs. As a value-added service for Digi cellular routers, Digi Containers enable users to upload, manage, deploy, and monitor container-based applications through Digi Remote Manager.

This empowers companies to orchestrate and manage a complex series of containers in various structures and configurations. Digi Containers provide: Portability – A containerized application can be deployed in private and public clouds. Companies gain flexibility because they can easily move workloads among environments and providers; Scalability – Containers can scale horizontally (i.e., one can “clone” identical containers within the same cluster to expand capacity/throughput as needed).

By running only what is needed, when needed, costs decrease significantly; Increased security – By design, containers are inherently isolated. If one container is compromised, others won't be affected; Speed – Autonomy from the operating system gives greater control. One can start/stop a container in seconds.

One achieve faster development and operational speed and a faster and smoother user experience; Efficiency – Since a separate operating system isn't required, containers require fewer resources than VMs. One can run several containers on a single server. Less hardware means lower costs and fewer points of failure.