With our Gateway 6.0 launch, both B2B Integrator 6.0 and File Gateway 6.0 now support Docker containers. In this blog I’ll explain what this means and how containers can make your life easier.

A refresher on containers
Let’s start with a quick overview of containers. A container is simply a new way to deliver applications. It is a lightweight, standalone, executable pack of software that includes everything you need to run an application. Much like virtual machines (VMs) disrupted the hardware model and virtualized hardware, containers are doing the same to VMs with operating system-level virtualization, also referred to as containerization.

This table below provides a snapshot of the differences between containers and VMs.

The following use case brings the differences to life.

Imagine you have six environments – two production, two QA and two development. With VMs you need six different boxes and six licenses, and you must install the application on each box. With containers, the operating system (OS) is included so you save on OS costs and you don’t need six different licenses. But more than that, you can have multiple containers on one platform. This increase in application density and consolidation increases efficiencies and saves infrastructure costs.

Simplifying deployment
If you choose to use containers, one of the first things you’ll experience is a streamlined deployment process. In traditional application deployment models, the IT team has to make sure all the application dependencies are present on the machine where the application will be running. These dependencies include the operating system (OS) itself, the environment variables, the system libraries and any requirements the application itself has.

With containerization, an application and all the dependencies and prerequisites are bundled with the application. So, when IBM ships a product in a container the OS is there, the environment variables are set, the libraries are set to our requirements, the product is installed, and all the system requirements are there, like the IBM JDK and JCE. This makes it possible to deploy anywhere, faster and easier, without knowing what exists on the destination server where you want the application to run.

Docker containers
Our partner for containerization is Docker – a name that has become synonymous with containers. You might be wondering why they chose the name Docker. It goes back to the history of shipping, which you can probably tell by looking at the company’s logo.

Before the advent of containers, loading and keeping track of everything you wanted to transport on a ship was chaotic. You’ve likely seen old movies with dock workers running up and down planks with sacks of goods on their backs and hauling trunks. Containers made it possible to fit more on a ship by stacking containers on top of each other and made it easier to manage and track shipments. Much like containers simplified the shipping of goods, they are now simplifying the “shipping” of applications.

How Docker containers can make your life easier

IBM is including support for Docker containers with B2B Integrator 6.0 and File Gateway 6.0 because the cost savings and efficiencies are real. Plus, it can simplify the transition to hybrid cloud for those of you considering that. Here’s how:

Save time and money. As I explained earlier, containers allow you to save on hardware and software license costs, but they also help you save on installation. Because Docker containers include everything you need to run an application, installation time is reduced from hours to minutes. Our testing shows that using containers can save you as much as 60% in installation time and costs when compared to using IBM Installation Manager.

Strengthen security and simplify maintenance. Docker containers make it fast and easy to apply updates and patches for security vulnerabilities to the OS and application. For example, when you upgrade to a new version of B2B Integrator or File Gateway, Docker containers know what to install and not install based on what is already on your system. Research by Docker finds that some of their clients spend 80% of their entire IT budget on maintaining legacy applications. Docker says this can be reduced to 30% with a successful implementation of Docker containers.

Simplify your hybrid cloud journey. Using containers and container orchestration software that typically resides on-premise, you can deploy applications quickly in both private and public clouds. You can easily scale up and scale down as you progress through your hybrid cloud journey. 

How to get started

You have options on how to get started today.  We are continuing to support our traditional installation method (using the IBM Installation Manager) along with Docker containers.   If you are current on Service & Support and entitled, you can access Docker images via the IBM Bluemix Docker Repository.  To access Bluemix, you will need to open a support ticket to request access. Once access is granted you can download and apply maintenance from the Bluemix repository.   You choose your container orchestration platform, Docker Enterprise Edition or Docker Community Edition.  See Docker Requirements.

We also offer both traditional e-images via IBM Installation Manager “traditional install” method and Docker images through Passport Advantage. The Docker image on Passport Advantage is a bundled “tar” ball. Recommendation would be to use the Bluemix Docker Repository.   The upgrade guides are available now for IBM B2B Integrator 6.0 and IBM File Gateway 6.0. If you have any questions, please contact your IBM rep or business partner who are always ready to help or reach out to support.

Note: Our current Docker container support is Linux-based only and does not support Global Mailbox. Our published list of Docker limitations is here. Please check back frequently as we are working actively to expand support.

Want to know more or have questions about Docker containers for IBM B2B Integrator and File Gateway? Please post in the discussion forums.