Unikernels: Flash-in-the-pan or Here To Stay?

In this 38-minute DevConf.IN 2025 conference talk, Ram Iyengar explores whether unikernels represent a passing trend or a lasting technology in cloud infrastructure. Examine how unikernels challenge traditional virtual machines and containers with their specialized architecture that promises improved performance, security, and resource efficiency. Learn about the fundamental differences between unikernels, VMs, and containers, with special attention to how unikernels can leverage specialized hardware and tailored operating system kernels. Discover related approaches like AWS Firecracker VMs and Microsoft Hyperlight, and explore current research initiatives including Red Hat's Unikernel Linux (UKL) project. Critically assess the obstacles to widespread unikernel adoption, including development complexity, specialized tooling requirements, and potential limitations in flexibility and portability. Gain a comprehensive understanding of unikernels to make informed judgments about their future role in the evolving cloud computing landscape.