SUSE Elevates Docker in SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12

June 30, 2015


Open source Docker automates application deployment in Linux containers, improving efficiency

Nuremberg, Germany

SUSE® today announced significant enhancements to its container toolset, further embracing Docker as an integral component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. SUSE now fully supports Docker in production environments and has added an option for customers to build a private on-premise registry to host container images in a controlled and secure environment. These enhancements further strengthen Docker as an application deployment tool, helping customers significantly improve operational efficiency.

"The advent of virtualization reduced the time needed to bring up a server from hours to minutes; containers and Docker have reduced that time to seconds," said Ralf Flaxa, SUSE vice president of engineering. "SUSE has long participated in the evolution of lightweight and efficient container deployment technology, with the inclusion of Docker in SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 last year and our support for Linux containers in SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 for several years before that. This is another example of SUSE's commitment to providing innovative technologies for enterprise customers."

Fully supported as part of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12, enterprise-ready Docker from SUSE improves operational efficiency and is accompanied by easy-to-use tools to build, deploy and manage containers.

  • SUSE provides pre-built images from a verified and trusted source. In addition, customers can create an on-premise registry behind the enterprise firewall, minimizing exposure to malicious attacks and providing better control of intellectual property. Portus, an open source front-end and authorization tool for an on-premise Docker registry, enhances security and user productivity.

  • As integral parts of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, Docker and containers provide additional virtualization options to improve operational efficiency. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server includes the Xen and KVM hypervisors and is a perfect guest in virtual and cloud environments. With the addition of Docker, customers can build, ship and run containerized applications on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server in physical, virtual or cloud environments.

  • The efficient YaST management framework provides a simple overview of the available Docker images and allows customers to run and easily control Docker containers. In addition, the KIWI image-building tool has been extended to support the Docker build format.

Thomas Brottrager, head of IT at manufacturing company STIA Holzindustrie GmbH, said, "Using the Docker tool included in SUSE Linux Enterprise Server has enabled us to reduce the number of virtual machines we need to manage in our development environment. As a result, we have seen significant savings in system administration."

SUSE's current Docker offering supports x86-64 servers with support for other hardware platforms in the works. Integration with SUSE Manager for lifecycle management is also planned. For more information about Docker in SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, including a series of Docker mini-course videos, visit suse.com/promo/sle/docker/mini-course.html and suse.com/promo/sle.

About SUSE
SUSE, a pioneer in open source software, provides reliable, interoperable Linux, cloud infrastructure and storage solutions that give enterprises greater control and flexibility. More than 20 years of engineering excellence, exceptional service and an unrivaled partner ecosystem power the products and support that help our customers manage complexity, reduce cost, and confidently deliver mission-critical services. The lasting relationships we build allow us to adapt and deliver the smarter innovation they need to succeed - today and tomorrow. For more information, visit suse.com.

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