What is the difference between server virtualization and containerization (VM vs Docker)?
Server virtualization (VMs) and containerization (e.g., Docker) are both technologies that allow you to run multiple applications or services
on a single physical machine—but they do it in very different ways, with distinct performance, architecture, and use-case trade-offs.
VMs are heavier; they consume more CPU, memory, and storage because each VM runs a full OS.
Containers are lightweight and start fast, making them ideal for microservices and scalable cloud-native applications.
VMs are more secure by default due to full isolation.
Containers can be hardened but are more vulnerable if misconfigured.
Containers: Highly portable, work consistently across dev, test, and prod. Great for CI/CD pipelines, microservices, and cloud-native apps.
VMs: Better for legacy applications, monolithic apps, or when you need a full OS (e.g., Windows + Linux on the same machine).
How do cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and GCP manage physical servers in their data centers?
The Cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) operate at massive scale, and managing physical servers in their
data centers involves a combination of automation, custom hardware, and strict operational procedures.
They are using following technic to manage the datacenters.
Custom-Built Hardware
Automation & Orchestration
Monitoring and Failure Management
Capacity Management & Scaling
Lifecycle Management
Security and Physical Access Control
Think of a cloud data center like a giant factory where physical servers are machines on an assembly line, managed by some automated software that
know when to turn them on, fix them, or retire them—without ever involving a human unless something critical goes wrong.
What is the difference between server virtualization and containerization (VM vs Docker)?
Server virtualization (VMs) and containerization (e.g., Docker) are both technologies that allow you to run multiple applications or services
on a single physical machine—but they do it in very different ways, with distinct performance, architecture, and use-case trade-offs.
VMs are heavier; they consume more CPU, memory, and storage because each VM runs a full OS.
Containers are lightweight and start fast, making them ideal for microservices and scalable cloud-native applications.
VMs are more secure by default due to full isolation.
Containers can be hardened but are more vulnerable if misconfigured.
Containers: Highly portable, work consistently across dev, test, and prod. Great for CI/CD pipelines, microservices, and cloud-native apps.
VMs: Better for legacy applications, monolithic apps, or when you need a full OS (e.g., Windows + Linux on the same machine).
What challenges might a company face when migrating from physical infrastructure to the cloud?
Technical Complexity:
- Legacy systems may not be cloud-compatible and require refactoring or re-architecting.
- Data migration can be slow, complex, and risky, especially with large volumes or sensitive information.
- Integration issues with existing software, APIs, or hardware systems.
