BalenaOS is a specialized host operating system tailored for running Docker containers on embedded devices. Designed for reliability and proven in production environments, it provides a robust foundation for deploying containerized applications on connected hardware. The OS is a minimal Linux distribution, including only the essential services required to reliably run Docker, thereby optimizing resource usage on embedded systems. Its foundation on Yocto Linux ensures easy portability to a wide array of capable device types across various CPU architectures, supporting a diverse ecosystem of hardware. Originally developed as a core component of the balenaCloud platform, which brings modern software development tools to connected hardware, BalenaOS has been extensively tested and refined over years of operation. It supports numerous device types, offers robust networking and provisioning capabilities, and prioritizes long-term operational reliability. By enabling a productive developer workflow, BalenaOS simplifies the process of building, deploying, and managing containerized applications on edge devices. Now released as an independent operating system, it allows a broader community to benefit from and contribute to the advancement of running containers on embedded hardware.

Features & Benefits

• Operating System Tailored for Containers
  • Specifically optimized to run Docker containers, making it the ideal choice for modern connected devices and IoT applications.
• Built for Reliability
  • Designed for long-term reliability and proven in production environments, ensuring stable operation of embedded devices.
• Just the Essentials
  • A minimal Linux distribution that includes only the necessary services to reliably run Docker on an embedded device, reducing overhead and improving performance.
• Easy to Port
  • Based on Yocto Linux, facilitating straightforward porting to most capable device types across varied CPU architectures.
• Fast, Modern Workflow
  • Enables a productive and efficient development workflow for embedded software, simplifying the process of building and deploying containerized applications.
• Open and Community-Friendly
  • Actively developed in the open, warmly welcoming community participation and contributions to its ongoing evolution.