Title: Workflow scheduling for container-based systems: taxonomy, review and open issues

Authors: Raouia Bouabdallah; Fairouz Fakhfakh

Addresses: Higher Institute of Computer Science of Kef (ISI Kef), University of Jendouba, Jendouba, Tunisia; LARIA Laboratory, Higher National Engineering School of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia ' ReDCAD Laboratory, ENIS, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia

Abstract: Workflows have emerged as the dominant methodology in application development due to their flexibility in building a wide range of applications, including multi-tier web applications, scientific computing applications, and big data applications. The workflow plays a crucial role in orchestrating the distributed services that constitute an application. Containers emerge as the most favourable lightweight virtualisation technique for isolating, encapsulating, and deploying services, thanks to their superior portability when compared to Virtual Machines (VMs). While container-based systems offer various advantages, the integration of these systems into workflow scheduling remains one of the most formidable challenges in distributed environments. Indeed, significant issues arise due to the growing demands of clients. In this survey paper, we present a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on the current state of the art in this domain. We propose a taxonomy to compare and evaluate the existing studies on workflow scheduling approaches for container-based systems. This taxonomy encompasses various criteria, including scheduling techniques, performance metrics, and container management systems. We highlight certain recommendations for open issues which require more investigations. Our aim is to provide valuable insights for researchers and developers interested in understanding the contributions and challenges of current workflow scheduling approaches for container-based systems. This knowledge can serve as a foundation for enhancing their solutions.

Keywords: workflow; scheduling; container; systematic literature review; taxonomy; open issues.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGUC.2026.154462

International Journal of Grid and Utility Computing, 2026 Vol.17 No.3, pp.275 - 290

Received: 09 Jan 2024
Accepted: 22 May 2024
Published online: 29 Jun 2026 *

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