Docker today announced Docker Enterprise Edition (EE), a commercial container platform for enterprise development and IT ops teams. The interesting twist: Docker also launched a certification program for cloud services providers (CSPs), ISVs and other types of partners.
According to Docker, the new container platform enables enterprise users to build, run and operate business-critical applications in production at scale across the software supply chain. Docker also said the platform makes it easy to install, configure and upgrade Docker on certified infrastructure.
Docker EE is available in three tiers:
- Basic: Offers the Docker platform for certified infrastructure, support from Docker and certified Containers and Plugins from the Docker Store.
- Standard: Provides advanced image and container management, LDAP/AD user integration and role-based access control (Docker Datacenter).
- Advanced: Includes Docker Security Scanning and ongoing vulnerability monitoring.
Docker EE is now available as a free trial and for purchase from Docker Sales. It is supported by Alibaba, Canonical, HP Enterprise, IBM, Microsoft and a network of regional partners.
Introducing Docker Community Edition
Docker has a new name for its free products – Docker Community Edition (CE).
In a blog post, Docker Product Manager Michael Frills indicated Docker CE includes the full Docker platform. He noted Docker CE "is great for developers and DIY ops teams starting to build container apps" and runs Docker on the following platforms:
- Mac.
- Windows 10.
- AWS.
- Azure.
- CentOS.
- Debian.
- Fedora.
- Ubuntu.
Two versions of Docker CE are available:
- Edge: Offers monthly feature updates.
- Stable: Provides quarterly feature updates.
Frills stated free and paid add-ons are available from Docker Cloud that are designed to enhance the Docker CE experience.
Docker Launches Certification Program
Docker has unveiled the Docker Certification Program, which provides a framework for partners to integrate and certify their technology to Docker EE and make their solutions available on the Docker Store.
Dan Powers, Docker's head of partner technology management, wrote in a blog post that Docker Certification is aligned to the Docker EE infrastructure. He pointed out the certification program recognizes Docker technology partners and enterprise customers that provide Containers and Plugins "that excel in quality, collaborative support and compliance."
"We are excited to announce the Docker Certification Program and availability of partner technologies through Docker Store. A vibrant ecosystem is a sign of a healthy platform and by providing a program that aligns Docker's commercial platform with the innovation coming from our partners; we are collectively expanding choice for customers investing in the Docker platform," Powers noted.
The Docker Certification Program includes three categories:
- Certified Infrastructure: Consists of operating systems and cloud providers that the Docker platform is integrated and optimized for and tested for certification.
- Certified Container: Enables independent software vendors (ISVs) to package and distribute their software as containers directly to end users.
- Certified Plugin: Includes networking and volume plugins for Docker EE that can be packaged and distributed to end users as containers.
In addition, Powers said technology partners will be able to earn a Docker Certified badge to further differentiate their solutions to Docker users.
"Upon completion of testing, review and posting into Docker Store, these certified listings will display the badge for customers to quickly understand which containers and plugins meet this extra criteria," he wrote in a blog post.
