Docker Enterprise

Basic Information

Docker Enterprise Edition (EE) is a comprehensive, integrated, supported, and certified container platform designed for business-critical deployments. It offers various tiers, including Basic, Standard, and Advanced, providing escalating levels of features and support.

• Model/Version: Docker Enterprise Edition (EE)
• Release Date: Announced in March 2017, with Docker EE 2.0 released in April 2018.
• Minimum Requirements: Requires a 64-bit processor (minimum 2.4 GHz clock speed), 4GB system RAM, and SSD storage. Hardware virtualization support (SLAT, BIOS-level) is essential for Windows deployments.
• Supported Operating Systems: CentOS, Microsoft Windows Server 2016 and later, Oracle Linux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, Ubuntu, and IBM Z. It also supports deployment on AWS and Microsoft Azure cloud providers.
• Latest Stable Version: Docker EE 17.06 was a stable release, followed by major updates like Docker EE 2.0. Stable versions were typically updated quarterly.
• End of Support Date / End of Life Date: The Docker Enterprise business was acquired by Mirantis in November 2019. Mirantis now develops and distributes the rebranded components as Mirantis Kubernetes Engine (MKE) and Mirantis Container Runtime (MCR). Docker, Inc. shifted its focus to Docker Desktop and Docker Business. The original Docker EE product line effectively reached its end of life/support under Docker Inc. post-acquisition. Mirantis provides ongoing support for MKE and MCR.
• License Type: Subscription-based licensing for enterprise products, offered in various tiers. The underlying Docker Engine is licensed under Apache License 2.0.
• Deployment Model: Supports on-premises, public cloud (AWS, Azure), private cloud, and bare metal environments, functioning as a Containers-as-a-Service (CaaS) platform.

Technical Requirements

• RAM: A minimum of 4GB system RAM is required for the Docker host.
• Processor: A 64-bit processor with a minimum clock speed of 2.4 GHz is necessary. For Windows, Second Level Address Translation (SLAT) and BIOS-level hardware virtualization support are required. Mirantis Kubernetes Engine also supports ARM processors.
• Storage: SSD drives are recommended for disk storage, with at least 750 MB of free space for installation.
• Display: Not specifically detailed, but typically involves standard display capabilities for CLI or web UI access in server environments.
• Ports: A minimum network port speed of 100 Mbps is required, with 1 Gbps/sec recommended for optimal performance.
• Operating System: Compatible with various Linux distributions (CentOS, RHEL, SUSE, Ubuntu, Oracle Linux, IBM Z) and Windows Server 2016 and newer.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

Docker Enterprise demands robust server-grade hardware to ensure optimal performance and stability for containerized workloads. Key requirements include a 64-bit processor, sufficient RAM, and high-speed storage, particularly SSDs, which are crucial for I/O intensive container operations. Network bandwidth is also a significant consideration for distributed deployments. The platform's broad operating system support across major Linux distributions and Windows Server highlights its versatility for enterprise environments. Hardware virtualization capabilities are a critical prerequisite, especially for Windows-based Docker hosts, to leverage the full potential of containerization.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: The enterprise product line evolved into Mirantis Kubernetes Engine (MKE) and Mirantis Container Runtime (MCR) after the acquisition by Mirantis. MKE integrates Universal Control Plane (UCP).
• OS Support: Extensive support for Linux (CentOS, RHEL, Ubuntu, SUSE, Oracle Linux, IBM Z) and Windows Server. MKE specifically supports mixed Linux and Windows worker nodes, with manager nodes running on Linux. MCR offers tested and validated releases across a broad range of Windows and Linux operating systems.
• End of Support Date: Docker Inc.'s direct support for the original Docker Enterprise product line concluded following its acquisition by Mirantis in November 2019. Mirantis now provides enterprise support for its rebranded offerings, MKE and MCR.
• Localization: Specific localization details are not explicitly provided in public documentation, but enterprise software typically offers multi-language support for its interfaces and documentation.
• Available Drivers: As a container platform, Docker Enterprise leverages the underlying operating system's drivers rather than providing its own specific hardware drivers.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Docker Enterprise, now under Mirantis, maintains strong compatibility across a wide array of operating systems, including the unique ability to orchestrate mixed Linux and Windows container environments within a single cluster. This broad OS support is a significant advantage for enterprises with diverse IT infrastructures. The transition to Mirantis means that ongoing support, updates, and future development for the enterprise container platform are managed by Mirantis, which offers enterprise-grade SLAs. Docker Inc. continues to provide support for its developer-focused products like Docker Desktop and Docker Business. The platform's design inherently relies on the host OS for hardware interaction, making host OS driver compatibility paramount.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes fine-grained Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), policy-based automation for container images, node-based security isolation for multi-tenant environments, and continuous security vulnerability scanning. It integrates secure image storage via Docker Trusted Registry (now Mirantis Secure Registry) and supports a secure software supply chain.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Regular CVE patching and bug fixes are provided for Docker Enterprise components (now MCR/MKE). Security scanning capabilities compare container images against known CVE databases.
• Blacklist Status: While not explicitly termed "blacklist status," the platform's vulnerability scanning and policy enforcement mechanisms are designed to prevent the deployment of images with known security issues.
• Certifications: Certified as an enterprise container platform, with components like Mirantis Container Runtime featuring FIPS 140-2 encryption and DISA STIG certification.
• Encryption Support: Provides FIPS 140-2 validated encryption for enhanced data security.
• Authentication Methods: Supports LDAP/AD user integration and offers Single Sign-On (SSO) for Docker Business subscribers, which is part of the broader Docker ecosystem.
• General Recommendations: Emphasizes building a secure software supply chain from image creation through secure storage to secure deployment. Proactive security features and compliance measures are integrated throughout the development lifecycle.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Docker Enterprise offers a high overall security rating, critical for enterprise deployments. Its comprehensive security features, including robust RBAC, continuous vulnerability scanning, and FIPS 140-2 validated encryption, address key concerns for sensitive data and regulated industries. The platform's focus on a secure software supply chain, from image integrity to deployment, coupled with certifications like DISA STIG, demonstrates a strong commitment to enterprise-grade security. While no system is entirely immune to vulnerabilities, the proactive patching and scanning capabilities significantly mitigate risks, making it a reliable choice for secure container orchestration.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific public benchmark scores for Docker Enterprise are not widely detailed in available information.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Designed for high availability (HA), efficient scaling, and rapid deployment of applications. It aims to optimize resource utilization, leading to a reduced virtual machine footprint and lower operating system license costs, thereby increasing asset utilization.
• Power Consumption/Carbon Footprint: Not directly quantified. However, by improving resource density and efficiency through containerization, the platform indirectly contributes to reduced power consumption and a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional, less efficient virtualization approaches.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Docker Enterprise (now Mirantis Kubernetes Engine) competes with other enterprise containerization and Kubernetes solutions such as Red Hat OpenShift and CoreOS Tectonic. It differentiates itself by offering flexibility across diverse environments and workloads, including the modernization of legacy applications.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Docker Enterprise is engineered for high-performance, scalable, and highly available containerized application deployments. While explicit benchmark numbers are not readily available, its architectural design prioritizes operational efficiency and resource optimization. The platform's ability to consolidate applications and reduce the need for multiple virtual machines directly translates into better hardware utilization and, consequently, improved performance and cost efficiency. It is positioned as a robust solution for enterprises requiring reliable and scalable application delivery across varied infrastructure types.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback highlights Docker Enterprise's strengths in providing a certified and integrated platform for container orchestration, particularly its capability to manage mixed Windows and Linux environments within the same cluster. It is praised for simplifying enterprise-scale deployments, enhancing security, and streamlining the software supply chain from image creation to deployment. The platform is seen as a tool that reduces the complexity of Kubernetes and provides a consistent cloud experience. However, some feedback indicates that the pricing for advanced features can be substantial, and managing a large number of containerized microservices can still present inherent complexities. Recommended use cases include business-critical deployments, modernizing legacy applications, and deploying applications across diverse and distributed environments for large enterprises.

Summary

Docker Enterprise, initially a flagship product from Docker, Inc., provided a robust, integrated, and certified platform for enterprise-grade containerization. Its core components, Docker Engine - Enterprise, Docker Trusted Registry, and Universal Control Plane, offered a comprehensive solution for building, shipping, and running applications at scale. A significant strength was its broad operating system compatibility, including unique support for orchestrating mixed Linux and Windows containers within a single cluster, making it highly adaptable for diverse enterprise infrastructures. The platform also excelled in security, featuring fine-grained Role-Based Access Control, continuous vulnerability scanning, FIPS 140-2 encryption, and DISA STIG certification, ensuring a secure software supply chain.

However, in November 2019, the Docker Enterprise business was acquired by Mirantis and subsequently rebranded into Mirantis Kubernetes Engine (MKE) and Mirantis Container Runtime (MCR). This acquisition marked a strategic shift, with Mirantis now responsible for the development, support, and evolution of these enterprise container technologies. Docker, Inc. pivoted its focus towards developer experience products like Docker Desktop and Docker Business. While the original Docker Enterprise offered significant advantages in performance, scalability, and high availability, its advanced features came with a considerable cost, and the inherent complexity of managing large-scale containerized environments remained a challenge for some organizations.

In assessment, Docker Enterprise (and its Mirantis successors) stands as a powerful solution for large enterprises seeking a certified, secure, and scalable platform for container orchestration, particularly those with heterogeneous Windows and Linux environments or a need to modernize legacy applications. Its strengths in security and cross-OS compatibility are notable. However, potential adopters should consider the investment in advanced features and the operational complexities associated with managing extensive container deployments. The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations; for up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.