Compare Docker CE vs Docker Enterprise: Compliance & Features for Enterprises

Docker offers two main tiers of its product: Docker Community Edition (CE) and Docker Enterprise. Each version serves different needs, particularly for enterprises. Here’s a breakdown of their differences and how they align with enterprise compliance and usage requirements:

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Docker Community Edition (CE)

• Target Audience: Individual developers, small teams, and open-source projects.
• Cost: Free and open-source (under the Docker Desktop Personal or Pro license, depending on usage).
• Features:
  • Basic containerization capabilities.
  • Includes Docker CLI, Docker Engine, and Docker Compose.
  • No advanced management tools or enterprise support.
• Support:
  • Community-based support (forums, GitHub issues).
  • No formal service-level agreements (SLAs).
• Compliance and Security:
  • No built-in enterprise compliance features.
  • Limited to open-source or third-party tools for securing containers.
• Limitations for Enterprises:
  • The Docker Subscription Service Agreement restricts commercial use of Docker Desktop without appropriate licensing.
  • Enterprises are expected to pay for Docker Desktop licenses under the Team or Business plans, which include additional management features.

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Docker Enterprise

• Target Audience: Medium to large enterprises with complex containerization needs.
• Cost: Paid (pricing depends on the number of nodes, features, and support level).
• Features:
  • Advanced management and orchestration:
    • Kubernetes and Swarm orchestration support.
    • Role-based access control (RBAC).
    • Image signing and scanning.
  • Security and compliance tools:
    • Built-in vulnerability scanning.
    • Image repository (Docker Trusted Registry).
    • Audit logging and enterprise-ready integrations.
  • Policy enforcement for consistent deployment and security.
  • Multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud capabilities.
• Support:
  • Commercial support with SLAs.
  • Access to enterprise-grade support channels.
• Compliance and Security:
  • Meets enterprise compliance standards like SOC 2, GDPR, etc.
  • Suitable for regulated industries (healthcare, finance, etc.).
  • Ensures compliance with corporate IT standards, including identity and access management (IAM) integration.

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Compliance with Enterprise Usage

For enterprises, Docker CE often falls short due to:

1. Licensing Restrictions: Docker Desktop cannot be used for commercial purposes without proper licensing under the Pro, Team, or Business tiers.
2. Lack of Enterprise Features: Docker CE lacks integrated security, compliance, and management tools needed for enterprise-grade deployment.
3. Support Gap: Critical for high-stakes applications; community support may not suffice.

Docker Enterprise, in contrast, addresses these needs:

• Provides tools for compliance, security, and governance.
• Integrates with enterprise ecosystems (e.g., CI/CD pipelines, IAM systems).
• Includes enterprise-grade support for uninterrupted operations.

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Conclusion

• Small teams and non-enterprise applications: Docker CE might be sufficient, provided licensing requirements are adhered to.
• Enterprises: Docker Enterprise is a better choice to ensure compliance, robust security, and management at scale. It also simplifies audit requirements and supports large-scale operations.

Contact Sodaru today for expert guidance on choosing the right Docker solution for your enterprise needs