Working with Docker

You can use Docker containers in patterns that you create in Cloud Pak System.

Note: Docker Private Registry pattern is deprecated in Version 2.3.3.4 and later. The same feature can now be used from the Cloud Paks Docker Private Registry pattern by selecting Registry Node > import_ocp_docker_images > ocpversions > None in the Deploy page of the IBM® Cloud Pak System user interface.
You can reference Docker images that are stored on Docker Hub or in a private Docker registry that runs on Cloud Pak System to create the Docker containers in the instance after the pattern is deployed.
Restriction:
  • Only Docker images that are in the private Docker registry are listed in the Pattern Builder. Even if a connection to Docker Hub exists, Docker images in Docker Hub are not displayed in the Pattern Builder. However, if you create the application model manually and deploy it without opening it in the Pattern Builder, the system is able to retrieve the Docker image from Docker Hub.
Complete these steps to configure the system for use with Docker:
  • Install and enable the Docker Pattern Type.
  • If needed, configure the system to reference a Docker registry:
    • If your system has external network access, no extra configuration is needed to reference Docker images on Docker Hub. If the system has external network access and no private Docker registry is referenced in the Docker system plug-in, the system connects to the public Docker Hub automatically.
      Note: Functions to link Docker containers in patterns are provided by the ambassador image. This image is included in the private Docker registry that you can deploy by using the steps in the following section. If you are using an existing Docker registry and you want to link Docker containers, upload the ambassador image manually to the existing Docker registry.
    • If your system does not have external network access, deploy a private Docker registry. For more information, see Deploying a private Docker registry.
  • If you deployed a private Docker registry, configure the system to use it. For more information, see Configuring the Docker plug-in for patterns.
  • Use Docker containers in patterns. For more information, see Working with Docker containers in patterns.
  • Administer instances that include Docker containers. For more information, see Administering instances that include Docker containers.
  • Optional: Convert existing Docker Compose/Fig template YML files for use in Cloud Pak System. For more information, see Converting a Docker Compose/Fig template YML file for use in Cloud Pak System.

Docker versions

These versions are included with the system:
  • Docker Community Edition (CE) 20.10.3 and 20.10.21 for IBM Cloud Pak System 2.3.3.6 or earlier, and 20.10.24 for IBM Cloud Pak System 2.3.3.6 interim fix 1
  • Docker registry V2.2
Docker Trusted Registry V1.4.2 is tested for use with Cloud Pak System, but it is not included with the system.
Note: Docker CE 20.10.3 supports only Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® (RHEL) 7. RHEL 6 is no longer supported. You must select only the RHEL 7.9 image. If you are on 2.3.3.6, Docker pattern type 1.0.15.4 supports Docker CE 20.10.3 with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) RHEL 7.9 and Docker CE 20.10.21 with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) RHEL 8.6. If you are on 2.3.3.6 interim fix 1, Docker pattern type 1.0.15.5 supports Docker CE 20.10.24 with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) RHEL 8.6.