At Clever Cloud, the CaaS offering relies on managed Docker runtimes. It is widely used by our customers.
CaaS in the cloud ecosystem
CaaS provides an environment where containers can be deployed, executed, and monitored without the user needing to administer servers or clusters. It allows teams to work directly with their container images while delegating operational tasks such as monitoring, security updates, and scaling.
This model stands out by combining portability (a container can run on any compatible environment) and operational simplicity. It does not replace other cloud approaches but occupies an intermediate position.
CaaS, IaaS, PaaS, FaaS, DBaaS: understanding the differences
To better situate CaaS, it helps to compare it with other service models:
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): you manage virtual machines, storage, and networking. Flexible but demanding, it requires significant administrative investment.
- PaaS (Platform as a Service): you deploy your applications directly on a platform that manages the infrastructure and part of the software stack. Fast and convenient—this is Clever Cloud’s core expertise.
- FaaS (Function as a Service): you run functions that are triggered on demand. Very useful for specific use cases.
- DBaaS (Database as a Service): the provider handles deployment, hosting, and maintenance of a database. You benefit from a database that is always available, secure, and backed up, without having to manage updates or complex configuration.
- CaaS (Container as a Service): you deploy your containers, often with Docker, while delegating hosting, supervision, and maintenance of the runtime environment to a provider.
Thus, CaaS appears as a compromise: it gives developers the freedom to use their containers while reducing operational overhead.
The role of containers and Docker
Containers have become a standard for deploying applications. They package an application and all its dependencies into an isolated environment, ensuring consistent execution regardless of the context.
Docker has established itself as the reference tool for creating and managing containers. Its widespread adoption is explained by:
- Portability: a container runs the same way in development, testing, or production.
- Consistency: no more configuration discrepancies between machines.
- Speed: deployment is much faster than with a traditional VM.
These qualities make Docker a natural foundation for CaaS.
Managed Docker at Clever Cloud
At Clever Cloud, we provide Docker as a managed service. In practice, this means you deploy your Docker containers on our platform, and we host, run, keep the Docker image up to date, and provide monitoring and scalability.
Important note: only you can update the content of your container.
You remain in control of your Docker containers, but you no longer need to manage the lower layers of the infrastructure. This approach is aligned with our mission: delivering reliable managed services so teams can focus on code rather than administration.
Docker with an extra layer of security
Clever Cloud deploys your Docker containers inside VMs to ensure strong isolation and therefore reinforce security.
👉 Access the Clever Cloud console to test Docker deployment
When CaaS makes sense
CaaS is not universal, but it is well suited to certain situations:
- Startups: quickly launch a service without mobilizing a full ops team.
- Software vendors: industrialize the deployment of their containerized applications while benefiting from a stable environment.
- Large enterprises: centralize container management across several teams, with operational support.
In all these cases, the goal remains the same: improving efficiency without sacrificing control over applications.
CaaS: making Docker users’ lives easier
CaaS is not a replacement for PaaS or DBaaS but a complementary option in the cloud landscape. It is designed for teams that want to run their Docker containers while delegating operational management.
At Clever Cloud, we therefore provide this CaaS component to support projects that need it. By focusing on the operational maintenance of Docker, we provide a secure and efficient framework for deploying containers without the burden of day-to-day management.
FAQ: CaaS and managed Docker
What is CaaS (Container as a Service)?
CaaS is a cloud computing model that allows you to deploy and manage containers without administering the underlying infrastructure. It offers a balance between flexibility and operational simplicity.
What does Docker bring to CaaS?
Docker is the most widely used tool for building and running containers. It ensures portability, rapid deployment, and consistency across environments. In a CaaS model, Docker is often the core technology.
What does “managed Docker” mean at Clever Cloud?
It means you deploy your Docker containers on Clever Cloud, and the platform ensures their operational maintenance: monitoring, Docker image updates, backups, and automatic scaling.