How Docker Enterprise 2.0 has changed the game

In April of 2018, Docker Enterprise 2.0 was a release. In this release, Docker added support for Kubernetes. Not some wrapped or repackaged version, but the real open source version. The advantage of running Kubernetes on Docker Enterprise 2.0 is simplicity. With Docker Enterprise 2.0, the universal control plane includes pre-installed Kubernetes, which runs alongside Swarm. This means that enterprises do not need to choose between Kubernetes and Swarm; they can have them both. This is a big deal for organizations that need to deal with both pockets of advanced microservice applications and simpler n-tier traditional applications. With Docker Enterprise 2.0, microservice teams are free get their Kube on, while the rest of the teams get up to speed with Swarm. Also, it allows an enterprise to handle a more manageable learning curve by getting started with Swarm and later introducing more complex Kubernetes configurations as required.

Additionally, at Dockercon 2018, Docker announced some very exciting features on their near-term roadmap regarding integration between Docker Enterprise and cloud-based Kubernetes Services. Essentially, Docker Enterprise 2 will be able to take an on-premise Kubernetes app running on Docker Enterprise 2.0 and deploy it to a web-based Kubernetes provider such as Amazon or Google.

While Docker Enterprise 2.0 may not be the perfect choice for a small cloud-native startup, its flexibility, integrated security model, and single platform should make it a top consideration for on premise and hybrid container platforms.