Docker Enterprise reference architecture

Now, we will start to dig into the Docker Enterprise architecture. As we jump in, we need to understand that full adoption can take several months, during which enterprises gain valuable experience as they prepare their production platform. While the Docker Enterprise adoption journey will be discussed in greater detail in a later chapter, it makes sense to introduce the general concept of a phased, agile adoption approach (shown in Figure 4) so that new-comers are not overwhelmed. Let's understand how to best approach adopting any enterprise container technology:

It is usually best to start with a small, multi-discipline team with the goal of moving a single application from PoC, to pilot, and finally the first application into production. Additionally, the enterprise adoption of containers requires big changes with great potential upsides, but it requires a new container-first mindset. The fastest way to attain this container-first mindset and all of the associated benefits is by leveraging the experience of experts through training and advisory services that are available directly from Docker or through Docker-authorized partners. In full disclosure, as a Docker authorized partner, this may appear biased and self-serving, but to have a direct connection to the Docker source provides laser-sharp insights into the latest best practices. I say latest best practices because this rapidly evolving platform changes fast and so do the associated best practices. Be very careful not to bet your next generation platform on opinions from possibly outdated blog posts.