Docker-Based CoreOS Linux Distribution Beta Launches

CoreOS, a new Linux designed for massive server deployments and using the Docker containerisation system for applications, has been delivered as a beta.

The open source Docker technology runs applications within containers – so they are virtualised and can be moved between systems, but without having to have a virtual machine for every one. It is becoming popular for its ability to move projects between development and operations swiftly.

Although Docker runs on many Linux variants, the CoreOS project aims to provide a version which is designed specifically for Docker, with support for clusters and techniques used by web giants to run services at large scale.

CoreOs approval for Docker

“The strategies and architectures that influence CoreOS allow companies like Google, Facebook and Twitter to run their services at scale with high resilience,” the CoreOS site says. “We’ve implemented them correctly so you don’t have to endure the slow, learn-as-you-go infrastructure building process.”

CoreOS now has a paid-for pilot scheme, which gives customers help getting their Linux applications into Docker containers for deployment, and provides training in the new system.

The system first appeared in alpha in early 2013, and has had backing form influential venture capital outfits Andreessen Horowitz and Sqeuoia Capital. A new round of seed funding has reportedly been signed by the CoreOS company.

Because CoreOS uses the Docker technology to handle all applications, it doesn’t have the normal Linux package management technology. It is slimmer and runs with less memory than other Linux distributions, the group claims.

“CoreOS can run on your existing hardware or on most cloud providers. Clustering works across platforms, making it easy to migrate parts of your gear over to CoreOS, or to switch cloud providers while running CoreOS,” the CoreOS site says.

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