The Evolution of Cloud Computing Architectures: A Comparative Analysis of Traditional Virtualization and Containerization Technologies

Cloud computing is a transformative technology that has radically changed how companies manage and access their information technology resources. The widespread availability of high-quality cloud computing platforms, operated by companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, has revolutionized the information technology landscape. This paper presents research on traditional virtualization and container technologies, which are fundamental in the shift towards cloud computing. Based on an analysis of the strengths and limitations of both approaches, this study aims to identify the contexts in which each method is most appropriate. It also applies a systematic literature review to analyze existing research published between 2015 and 2024 and discusses current trends and potential future directions. The results are expected to have a significant impact on both professionals and researchers, aiding in decision-making in terms of which technological approaches should be adopted for cloud computing environments, as the findings are based on strong empirical evidence.