Open standards
Open standards are a big deal in cloud native. They help users avoid vendor lock-in and product lock-in, and they give developers confidence the products they build will work and integrate well with the wider ecosystem.
A common non-technical example is trains and train tracks. The majority of train tracks across the world are the same size and configuration (1,435 mm standard gauge). This means service providers can buy trains from one supplier today and switch to another supplier tomorrow with full confidence the trains from both suppliers will work on the same tracks. It also gives train manufacturers confidence the trains they build will work on tracks all over the world. The net result is confidence, and confidence enables progress.
The Open Containers Initiative (OCI) provides the following important standards in the cloud native ecosystem.
- Image spec
- Runtime spec
- Distribution spec
The image-spec defines a standard way to build and package container images...
