Updated Training Module: "Emulation, Virtualization, Containerization"

EAASI Research Alliance
1

This Training Module series introduces important concepts in emulation and key features of the EAASI platform. These modules are intended to supplement the EAASI User Handbook, opening the design and functionality of the platform to wider feedback and discussion among members of the EAASI Research Alliance and the Software Preservation Network, particularly in regard to the product roadmap.

Each module contains: a slideshow presenting a core piece of platform functionality and its relationship to EAASI development goals and use cases; a set of questions for practitioners to discuss and/or reflect; and recommended resources from the EAASI team for further exploration of the topic. Modules are intended to stand on their own but be easily adaptable to an in-person or virtual workshop session.

This module has been adapted from an equivalent resource originally developed in Phase 2 (July 2020 - June 2022) of the “Scaling Emulation-as-a-Service Infrastructure” grant program funded by the Mellon and Sloan foundations. It has been modified to reflect updated branding and supported use cases for the EAASI platform. Screenshots of the EAASI platform are used for illustration purposes and have been taken over a wide range of development and version history; they may not 100% reflect currently-supported functionality.

Please feel free to share, remix and re-use these modules as appropriate within your member organization (and within the bounds of the CC-BY-SA license)!

Emulation, Virtualization, Containerization

During this module, participants will learn about:

  • What is the difference between emulation, virtualization, and containerization?
  • Why does the difference matter for long-term preservation?
  • How, why, and when does the EAASI platform make use of each?

Questions for Discussion/Reflection

  • Let’s say you have software in a collection that is compatible with virtualization. How would you decide whether to emulate or virtualize?
  • How often would you revisit the decision to emulate or virtualize?
  • Unfortunately, systems for digital preservation and access are themselves susceptible to age and obsolescence. How can or should such platforms be designed to protect collections in the long term?

Recommended Resources