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:
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.
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.
Compliance with Enterprise Usage
For enterprises, Docker CE often falls short due to:
- Licensing Restrictions: Docker Desktop cannot be used for commercial purposes without proper licensing under the Pro, Team, or Business tiers.
- Lack of Enterprise Features: Docker CE lacks integrated security, compliance, and management tools needed for enterprise-grade deployment.
- 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.
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