Mirantis Makes First Update to Docker Enterprise

Mirantis today announced it is delivering its first update to the Docker Enterprise platform since acquiring it from Docker Inc. last fall.

Version 3.1 of Docker Enterprise adds deeper integration with Kubernetes running on Windows and Linux nodes, as well as support for NVIDIA graphical processor units (GPUs) that are widely employed to build artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

David Van Everen, senior vice president of marketing for Mirantis, says Windows Server support means IT teams can join nodes running the Microsoft operating system to an existing instance of Docker Enterprise running Linux nodes. That goal is achieved by adding support for version 1.17 of Kubernetes.

Developers can now also enable Istio Ingress for a Kubernetes cluster via a single click of a button to create a service mesh. Istio will be automatically added to the cluster using default settings to get started quickly. IT teams can also configure proxies, add external IPs and create and review traffic routing rules.

The latest release of Docker Enterprise also makes available additional support options to better maintain service level agreements (SLAs). Previously, the highest level of support available was 24×7 for tier 1 applications. Now, via the Mirantis ProdCare offering, IT teams can access 24×7 support for all cases. Mirantis OpsCare option, meanwhile, provides a remote managed operations capability with enhanced SLAs, a designated customer success manager, proactive monitoring and alerting and dedicated resources with ongoing health checks and reviews.

In general, Van Everen says many of the organizations that initially embraced Docker Swarm within Docker Enterprise are now migrating over to Kubernetes. However, he notes, Kubernetes is not for the faint of heart; many IT teams not only need access to a curated instance of Kubernetes, but they are also looking for vendors that will invest the time and effort required to train their internal staffs on how to set up and manage Kubernetes clusters. That issue is especially acute in Windows environments that in many cases are just now being exposed to Kubernetes.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s not clear yet what the appetite is for new IT platforms based on Kubernetes clusters. However, IT organizations are starting to realize they need a way to deploy applications that are both more flexible and resilient. That need is pushing many toward embracing cloud-native platforms that make it easier to scale applications up and down as required.

Naturally, Mirantis is not the only IT vendor focused on Kubernetes. The Mirantis approach focuses on providing curated instances of Kubernetes that can be deployed anywhere coupled with a level of services intended to align with whatever level of expertise an IT team may have already attained.

Regardless of the level of Kubernetes expertise available most IT teams will need external help to manage Kubernetes. The primary issue now is determining exactly how much and for how long.

Mike Vizard

Mike Vizard is a seasoned IT journalist with over 25 years of experience. He also contributed to IT Business Edge, Channel Insider, Baseline and a variety of other IT titles. Previously, Vizard was the editorial director for Ziff-Davis Enterprise as well as Editor-in-Chief for CRN and InfoWorld.

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