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Docker containerization brings a very lightweight infrastructure technology for software applications that has resulted in significant uptake to develop, test and deploy. “How to deploy distributed software applications on Docker based containers in a more utilized way” has become a central problem on many online forums.
There are no secondary research studies on Docker containerization that would assess the maturity, general trends, research gaps and future orientations for distributed microservices net-centric application deployment. Due to the heavy growing interest in Docker containers, there is a need to explore current research studies for deploying distributed microservices net-centric software applications. Secondary research studies identify, classify and synthesize a comparative survey of state-of-the-research. As well it enables advanced evaluation of ongoing works (Kitchenham et al., 2009) (Petersen et al., 2008). A systematic mapping study (SMS) was opted here since it is more suitable for structuring and mapping out new areas in investigations.
This mapping study resulted in a knowledge foundation of current research literature regarding the Docker and other container approaches, with a particular attention to software application hosting. This research study revealed that Docker container technology studies is still in an establishment stage. Advanced experimental and evidence-based assessments are needed. The research study also presented a lack of facilitation for proven applications deploying host infrastructures.
The SMS aims to obtain the benefit: primarily, research studies in Docker, containers, cloud computing and distributed computing, which require a recognition of appropriate research studies. A systematic presentation of research furnishes a body of information to originate philosophy and clarifications to analyze research significance and determine future pathways. As well the systematic presentation benefits for the tech-enthusiasts who are practitioners and interested in grasping the possible protocols, methodologies, techniques and tools with limitations and strengths.
This paper is organized as follows. Research methodology, research questions (RQs) and scope were described in Section 2. The Characterization framework was discussed in Section 3. The results of the mapping were presented in Section 4, followed by an analysis of its constraints. Finally, Section 5 provides the findings, implications and trends.