Software layer
Package models and runtime dependencies, schedule accelerators, govern images, and observe workloads across a cluster.
Two container layers. One deployment map.
Software container.Physical container.Know the boundary.
A practical resource that distinguishes software containers for AI workloads from physical containerized compute infrastructure—and shows where the layers meet.
SOFTWAREMODELRUNTIMEPOLICY
INTERFACEGPUNETWORKSTORAGE
PHYSICALPOWERCOOLINGSITE
“Containerized AI” describes two different abstractions.
One packages software and dependencies. The other packages physical compute infrastructure. Strong deployment plans name the layer under discussion and define the contract between them.
Physical layer
Deliver compute in prefabricated enclosures with defined power, cooling, network, transport, and site interfaces.
Interface layer
Map workload demand to hardware topology, thermal design, security boundaries, commissioning, and lifecycle ownership.
Boundary classifier
Which container problem do you mean?
SP
Are you packaging model code and runtime dependencies?
Are you selecting a Kubernetes runtime, image policy, or GPU scheduling model?
Are you sizing an enclosure, power train, cooling system, or transport plan?
02 / INTERFACE CONTRACTS
Connect both layers without collapsing them.
Capacity contract
Translate service-level demand into GPU, CPU, memory, storage, network, and concurrency requirements.
Placement contract
Map workload policy to topology, accelerator availability, data locality, resilience, and site constraints.
Security contract
Join image provenance, runtime isolation, secrets, network policy, physical access, and supply-chain controls.
Lifecycle contract
Coordinate software releases with drivers, firmware, cluster changes, thermal limits, maintenance, and rollback.
03 / TECHNICAL SOURCES
Standards, orchestrator documentation, accelerator operations, and physical infrastructure.
The source desk deliberately spans both meanings of “container.”
Open all sources- L1Kubernetes: Concepts
- L2Kubernetes: Schedule GPUs
- L3Kubernetes: Device Plugins
- L4NVIDIA: GPU Operator
- L5NIST SP 800-190
Domain + technical editorial asset
A precise category name with software and infrastructure reach.
For information about acquiring this domain and website, contact inquiries@webassethouse.com.