Quick and Easy Multi-tenancy using Docker

Abstract:

Converting a B2B SaaS application into a multi-tenant platform is a complex challenge. It requires sprinkling the code with the notion of multi-tenancy. For example, the logo of each tenant is different and one has to program the logo path to be dynamic rather than static. This method typically costs development resources, pollutes the code, lowers performance, and leads to bugs and rigidity in the code.

When faced with a similar challenge at Flux7 Labs, we took a DevOps approach, with perspective across both functional areas to achieve the best outcome for our clients. Our application was a complex Internet of Things app built to monitor solar panels in the field and display analytics in a web portal for a solar panel installer. Rather than transforming our code to be multi-tenant, to handle multiple installers, we built a multi-tenancy layer on top of the existing code using Docker containers. In only two weeks, Docker helped us go from a single-tenant app to a multi-tenant app with minimal resource cost. This talk will describe our motivation, solution, and the lessons we learned.

Speaker:

Aater Suleman, CEO & Co-Founder at Flux7 Inc, is an industry veteran in performance optimization on servers and distributed systems. He earned his PhD at the University of Texas at Austin, where he also currently teaches computer systems design and architecture. His current interests are in optimizing DevOps and reducing cloud costs. Mr Suleman regularly presents at Meetups, user groups and other events.

Twitter: @FutureChips LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aatersuleman AWS Certified Solutions Architect