With the rise of Docker and Kubernetes, engineering software for CAD (Computer-Aided Design), CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering), and EDA (Electronic Design Automation) is increasingly being deployed in containerized environments. This shift enables scalability, flexibility, and efficient resource management, making running complex simulations easier, managing design data, and collaborating across distributed teams.
What is Containerization?
Containerization is a way of packaging and running applications in isolated environments called containers. Containers are lightweight and portable, and they can be run on any operating system that supports them. It uses Docker to create lightweight, portable containers and Kubernetes to manage, scale, and orchestrate them efficiently in cloud or on-premises environments.Â
This makes them ideal for deploying applications in the cloud or on-premises.
Benefits of Containerization for Engineering Software
Containerization offers several benefits for engineering software, including:
- Scalability: Containerized applications can be easily scaled up or down to meet changing demands. This is especially important for complex simulations that may require a lot of computing power.
- Flexibility: Containerized applications can be deployed on any operating system that supports them. This makes them easy to deploy in the cloud or on-premises.
- Efficiency: Containerized applications are lightweight and portable, which makes them more efficient to run than traditional applications.
- Collaboration: Containerized applications can be easily shared and collaborated on by distributed teams. This is especially important for engineering projects that often involve teams of people working in different locations.
Leading Software Providers Adopt Containerization
Leading software providers such as Autodesk, Siemens, Dassault Systèmes, Ansys, and OpenFOAM have adopted cloud-native approaches, leveraging containerization specifically Docker and Kubernetes, to enhance the deployment, scalability, and management of their simulation software.
The Future of Engineering Software
Containerization is transforming the way engineering software is developed, deployed, and used. In the future, more publishers will move their engineering applications and platforms to the docker and Kubernetes architecture. This will benefit the organizations with scalability, flexibility, efficiency, and collaboration, making it easier to solve complex engineering problems.
