# Portainer

> Portainer is a software platform for managing containers across Kubernetes, Docker, and Podman environments. It unifies deployment, monitoring, security, and maintenance into a single interface so teams can operate containerized applications without complex tooling or vendor lock-in.

Core functions included in Portainer:
- Developer & Operations enablement portal for centralized access and collaboration
- Observability and telemetry to monitor performance, health, and resource usage
- GitOps and configuration management to automate and standardize deployments
- Security and governance to enforce policies, compliance, and role-based access
- Platform management for full cluster lifecycle control
- Kubernetes distribution for orchestrating containerized workloads
- Operating system layer integration for streamlined setup and maintenance
- Support for disconnected, low-bandwidth, and air-gapped environments

Example use cases:
1. **Enterprise IT** – Standardize and manage Kubernetes, Docker, and Podman across large-scale infrastructure. Enforce governance, monitor performance, and deploy applications consistently across multiple clusters.
2. **Industrial & IoT** – Deploy and manage software in low-bandwidth, disconnected, or air-gapped environments. Centralized control for edge gateways, PLCs, and industrial systems without requiring on-site experts.
3. **Managed Services Providers** – Deliver container management as a service, with multi-tenant controls, security, and flexible deployment models.

## Product & Solutions
- [Website](https://www.portainer.io/): Overview of the Portainer platform, editions, and solutions.
- [Why Portainer](https://www.portainer.io/why-portainer): Key benefits and value propositions.
- [Feature Comparison](https://www.portainer.io/why-portainer/compare): Compare editions and capabilities.
- [Portainer for Enterprise IT](https://www.portainer.io/solutions/portainer-for-enterprise): Enterprise-grade container management at scale.
- [Portainer for Industrial & IoT](https://www.portainer.io/solutions/portainer-for-industrial-and-iot): Secure, centralized management for IIoT and edge deployments.
- [Managed Platform Services](https://www.portainer.io/solutions/managed-platform-services): Fully managed container management service.
- [Features](https://www.portainer.io/features): Detailed overview of platform capabilities.

## Docs & Knowledge Base
- [Documentation Home](https://docs.portainer.io/): Getting started guides, admin/user documentation, and reference material.
- [Architecture Overview](https://docs.portainer.io/start/architecture): High-level technical architecture.
- [Knowledge Base](https://portal.portainer.io/knowledge): Answers to common questions.

## Resources & Learning
- [Case Studies](https://www.portainer.io/resources/discover/case-studies): Real-world Portainer deployments.
- [Academy](https://www.portainer.io/resources/learn/academy): Learning modules and tutorials.
- [Partners](https://www.portainer.io/resources/get-started/our-partners): Partner ecosystem.
- [Events](https://www.portainer.io/resources/discover/events): Conferences, webinars, and training.
- [Whitepapers](https://www.portainer.io/resources/discover/whitepapers): In-depth technical and strategic resources.
- [Blog](https://www.portainer.io/blog): News, updates, and thought leadership.
- [Become a Partner](https://www.portainer.io/resources/discover/become-a-partner): Partnership opportunities.

## Pricing & Trials
- [Pricing](https://www.portainer.io/renew): Plan details for Business/Enterprise IT, Edge/IIoT, and other tiers.
- [Enterprise Free Trial](https://www.portainer.io/enterprise-free-trial): Request a trial of Portainer Business Edition.
- [3 Nodes Free](https://www.portainer.io/take-3): Free 3-node Business Edition license.

## Get Help & Contact
- [Get Support](https://www.portainer.io/resources/get-help/get-support): Support options and resources.
- [Contact Us](https://www.portainer.io/contact-us): Sales and general inquiries.
- [Get a Demo](https://www.portainer.io/get-a-demo): Request a live demo session.
- [About Us](https://www.portainer.io/company/about-us): Company background and mission.