1.4.1.1. Docker Conversion FAQ

Why Docker?

This could be a long-winded answer, but to keep it simple:

Docker is an open platform that automates the deployment of applications within lightweight, portable containers. It enhances efficiency by allowing applications to share the host system’s kernel, avoiding the overhead of traditional virtual machines. But more importantly, Docker makes software deployments and updates more predictable, simpler and less disruptive. So while the initial conversion of Strawberry to Docker might be a longer process that requires extended downtime, future updates will be quicker and simpler.

Check out the Docker overview pages for more information on the technology.

Why Ubuntu LTS?

Projective has decided to base its Strawberry Docker deployments on Ubuntu LTS for several reasons:

• Software updates: Ubuntu provides an official process for upgrading between versions. The process is straightforward and well-documented, helping users upgrade their systems efficiently and safely. So in a few years, when the next major Ubuntu LTS version arrives, it can be performed as an in-place upgrade rather than jumping through all the hoops of a fresh OS install. While Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Centos also offer upgrade paths between major versions, they typically recommend a clean OS install instead of an upgrade, as the process is less straightforward and more error-prone than with Ubuntu.
• Official Docker Support: The Docker project officially supports Ubuntu, meaning that Docker tests and verifies each Ubuntu update against its releases. If we encounter issues with Docker and Ubuntu, the Ubuntu community and Canonical can help us resolve them.
• Modern software stack: Ubuntu is based on Debian and sponsored by Canonical Ltd. It is known for its frequent updates and cutting-edge software. It has a regular release cycle, with new versions released every six months (April and October) and a Long-Term Support (LTS) version every two years, which Canonical supports for five years. Ubuntu ships with recent Linux Kernel versions, enabling Projective to utilize newer Linux features in the Strawberry code base.

Does my Company need to buy a Ubuntu Pro license?

No. By default, the Ubuntu LTS support period is 5 years. Pro licenses are only needed if you wish to extend your support beyond that period. Here is more information about Ubuntu Pro licenses.

Will Projective support host OSes other than Ubuntu LTS?

We know that some of you would like to see our dockerized setup running on top of RHEL, Alma, and Rocky. We are certainly open to more Linux flavors, but a few considerations must be made.

• Docker should officially support the Linux distribution. Today this is only true for Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, and Fedora.
• If you absolutely need to run dockerized Strawberry on a Linux distribution not officially supported by Docker, please contact us to discuss with us, as there may be an impact to the support that Projective is able to provide to you when troubleshooting Docker-related issues on an unsupported Linux distribution.