Containerisation is changing the way companies manage applications and data, offering unprecedented flexibility and efficiency. In the Medtech industry, where precision and security are a priority, deploying Docker containers in an AWS environment has become a key solution for scalability and innovation. Migrating to the cloud is no longer just a technology - it is a strategic decision that can revolutionise business processes. That's why I decided to take a look at the options available and share my experiences from the 'container wars'.

Diagnosis of the problem: need for scalability and security ​

I recently worked with a Medtech company that wanted to move their applications to the cloud to meet growing market demands. Their main goal was to find a solution that would provide scalability, high availability and data security, while optimising operational costs. I knew that choosing the right AWS service to deploy Docker containers would be key.

Let’s talk business.

Finding the best solution ​

When customers consider moving their containerised applications to the AWS cloud, a key question becomes choosing the right tool. Every business has different needs - from full control over the infrastructure, to minimal management and maximum automation. Together with the client, we carefully reviewed the available options, focusing on criteria such as scalability, operational efficiency, cost and data security. Out of the numerous AWS options, I presented five key Docker deployment options that could meet a variety of business needs.

EC2 with Docker ​

Running Docker containers directly on EC2 instances gives full control over resources and the network. From a business perspective, such control can be crucial for applications requiring specific configurations. However, resource management and scaling complexity can be challenging, especially for teams with limited resources.

Elastic Container Service (ECS) ​

ECS offers built-in resource management, scalability and high availability. Features such as service discovery and load balancing make it easier to manage containerised applications. For the business, this means faster response to changing market needs. However, the disadvantage can be complex configuration and the need for the team to learn new tools.

Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS) ​

EKS allows you to run Kubernetes on AWS, offering advanced container orchestration capabilities. It is ideal for companies planning to manage containers at scale. From a business perspective, EKS provides self-healing and auto-scaling, which translates into reliable services. However, complexity and high resource requirements can increase costs and deployment time.

AWS Fargate ​

Fargate enables containers to be deployed and run without managing the underlying infrastructure, offering a fully serverless experience. For the company, this means reduced operational costs and a focus on application development. Automatic scaling and high availability are huge advantages. However, less control over resources and potential compatibility issues with some tools can be a limitation.

AWS App Runner ​

App Runner simplifies the creation, deployment and management of web applications by treating Docker containers as first-class citizens. For business, it's fast application deployment and a serverless pricing model. However, as with Fargate, the limited control over resources may not meet the requirements of all projects.

Let’s talk business.

Analysis and selection ​

After presenting all the options, we carefully reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of each together with the client. The following aspects were key for us:

• Cost optimisation: we wanted to minimise infrastructure costs, paying only for the actual use of resources.
• Operational efficiency: automation of processes and ease of management were important for rapid innovation.
• Data security: in the Medtech industry, regulatory compliance and the protection of sensitive patient information are absolutely key.

Deployment with AWS Fargate: a serverless future ​

We decided on AWS Fargate. This solution was a perfect fit for the client's needs, offering a serverless model that eliminates the need for infrastructure management. With Fargate, we were able to focus on application development while AWS took care of scaling and resource management.

Effects of implementation ​

• Reduced operating costs: we only paid for the resources used, eliminating expenditure on unused infrastructure.
• Increased efficiency: the automation of deployment and scaling processes has allowed the team to introduce new features faster.
• Security and compliance: AWS provided the necessary certifications and tools to protect data, which met the strict requirements of the industry.
• Innovation and flexibility: thanks to simplified management, we were able to react quickly to changing market and customer needs.

Let’s talk business.

Reflections and conclusions ​

"Container Wars is not just a technology choice, but a strategic business decision. By choosing AWS Fargate, the customer gained not only a state-of-the-art technology solution, but above all a tool to achieve its business goals. Automation, cost optimisation and the ability to scale quickly became the foundation for the company's further growth in the competitive Medtech sector.

Summary: Containerisation as a catalyst for success ​

For companies facing the challenge of migrating to the cloud and managing Docker containers, AWS offers a range of solutions to suit different needs. The key is to carefully analyse and choose an option that not only meets your technical requirements, but more importantly delivers real business benefits. My experience shows that the right containerisation implementation can be a catalyst for innovation, efficiency and success in the market.

Is your business ready for cloud containerisation? If you are considering migrating to AWS and want to optimise your business processes, it is worth considering the options available and choosing the solution that best suits your needs.