Fly.io's new Sprites platform provides instant-creation Linux VMs with 100GB persistent storage that auto-sleep when idle. The architecture abandons container images for faster provisioning, uses S3-compatible object storage instead of attached NVMe for durability and mobility, and runs orchestration inside the VM rather than on the host. Sprites create in 1-2 seconds by pre-pooling standard containers, checkpoint/restore quickly via metadata operations, and integrate with Fly.io's existing Corrosion service discovery. The design trades some performance for dramatically simplified operations and enables disposable, ephemeral computing workflows.
Table of contents
Decision #1: No More Container ImagesDecision #2: Object Storage For DisksDecision #3: Inside-Out OrchestrationWe Keep The Parts That WorkedYou Won’t Get It Until You Use Them978 Impressions