Also included in Docker Enterprise 2.1 are a suite of Windows Server migration tools to help people update from older versions. Indeed, version 2.1 supports Windows Server 1709, 1803, and 2019. Any users on older versions will need to update, while Windows Server 2019 is currently delayed alongside Windows 10 October 2018 Update. As for the migration tools, users running Windows Server 2003, 2008/R2 can make the jump to new Docker Enterprise 2.1. It is worth noting Microsoft has not supported Server 2003 since July 2015, while Server 2008 will end in January 2020. When support is ended, Microsoft will no longer send out security fix unless a customer pays a support contract.
Benefits
In its announcement blog, Docker explains that Enterprise 2.1 for Windows Server Containers offers a wide range of benefits:
“Smaller image sizes: The latest releases of Windows Server support much smaller image sizes which means improved performance downloading base images and building applications, contributing to faster application delivery and lower storage costs. Improved compatibility requirements: With Windows Server 1709 and beyond, the host operating system and container images can deploy using different Windows Server versions, making it more flexible and easier to run containers on a shared operating system. Networking enhancements: Windows Server 1709 also introduced expanded support for Swarm-based routing mesh capabilities, including service publishing using ingress mode and VIP-based service discovery when using overlay networks.”
Several security enhancements have also been added to Docker Enterprise. Specifically, SAML 2.0 authentication, the FIPS 140-2 validated Docker Engines, improved audit logs and Kubernetes network encryption.
