You’ve added Docker container technology to your organization. Congratulations! Now, how do you make the most of that investment? If you don’t develop a program to maximize containers, the technology won’t do much. That’s not going make a difference. You need to equip your staff to leverage Docker containers effectively.
The Challenge for Technology Managers
Announcing a new technology to your staff feels excellent. You’ve made a big step! However, your developers and IT staff may feel fear. Put yourself in their shoes for a moment. They may have never used Docker containers before. They might be wondering, “Will I look like an idiot if I use containers and I can’t get them to work?” Most IT professionals take great pride in their technical prowess, and that status may be threatened when new technology is introduced.
If you don’t proactively address these concerns with training and support, you’ll meet greater resistance to using containers. Your staff will drag their feet. Your container projects will slow down. It doesn’t have to happen that way. You simply need to seek out development resources and offer them to your staff.
How Can You Support Your Staff to Succeed with Docker Containers?
While professional development will need to be customized to each, it’s helpful to bring a few ideas to the table. We recommend looking at the following options:
- Books and online resources: For the novice, we recommend starting with books. Compared to other options, they’re low cost and easy to access. For Docker container book recommendations, check out our guide: Unleash Docker Productivity with These 10 Resources.
- Experimentation time: As developers and IT pros become more skilled with containers, they’re going to want to stretch their wings. In that circumstance, give your staff the time and space to experiment with different container configurations and options. This could take the form of a quarterly “hackathon day,” for example.
- Conferences and events: Sending staff to a professional conference is expensive, admittedly. However, it’s also one of the best ways to demonstrate your support. To make the most of the experience, encourage your staff to apply to speak at the event. Next, ask them to give a presentation on what they learned when they return. This will help the rest of your staff develop.
- Certifications: There’s a problem with books and conferences; they tend to lead to a fragmented understanding of container technology. To address that problem, you can seek out certifications. These structured development programs are an excellent intermediate choice after a technical professional has learned the basics.
Navigating Docker Certifications
Face it; no single Docker container certification is right for every situation. Instead, you need to understand the options available. Only then can you make a smart choice about the options.
Docker Certified Associate Certification (DCA)
DCA is the lead certification program offered by Docker. To pursue the certification, you need to have approximately 6-12 months of experience. Provided in English, the certification exam can be taken remotely on your computer (no need to visit an exam center). At $195, the fee for the exam is reasonable compared to other options. The exam itself comes with a 90-minute time limit to answer less than 60 questions.
Tip: Managers take note; there’s a volume discount available if multiple people from a company take the DCA. To find out more about the pricing options, contact Docker directly.
What does this certification cover? According to the study guide, the following subject areas are covered by the certification:
- Orchestration
- Image creation, management and registry
- Installation and configuration
- Networking
- Security
- Storage and volumes
Docker may offer additional certifications in the future. Now, what if the DCA isn’t quite right for your team’s development needs? After all, the DCA isn’t focused on cybersecurity per se.
Other Training Options for Docker Security
While these aren’t certifications, two other Docker-provided training experiences may be just what you need. Note that price and duration details may change, so contact Docker directly for up-to-date information.
Docker Fundamentals
Duration: Two days
Price: $1,995
This course is a good choice for a basic introduction to Docker. We recommend sending at least two people from your company to this course. That way, you’ll have backup coverage. Topics covered include creating images, Docker volumes, and containerization fundamentals. To help students learn the material, you’ll have lab assignments to apply what you’re learning.
Docker Security
Duration: One day
Price: $995
Do you need a deep dive on the security options offered by Docker containers? If so, then this is the course for you. Topics covered include signature assessment, secure software supply chain, container security, and secure networking. As with the course above, this course includes exercises, so come prepared to apply what you learn. To support your focus, decline meeting invitations and other commitments for the day so you can focus on the training.
Tip: Make sure you complete the Docker Fundamentals course before you take this training.
Leverage General Purpose Cybersecurity Certifications
So far, we’ve focused directly on Docker container technology. If you specialize in managing and optimizing containers, that might be fine. In reality, though, your job probably has broader demands. You might have to design a cybersecurity training program for employees. You might have other responsibilities to address, such as risk assessments and responding to security incidents.
Your best bet for a general cybersecurity certification is to check out what ISACA has to offer. Its certifications are demanding, as exams, study time, and professional experience are generally required. Still, these are among the most popular certifications in security for a reason! As a starting point, look into becoming a Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), which is held by less than 30,000 people.
What Else Can You Do to Support Your Staff Succeed with Docker Containers?Certifications help your team to understand container technology. If you only provide training, that’s an incomplete solution. You also need to provide robust tools! Specifically, you should provide cybersecurity tools such as Identity Anywhere. It’s built to work with Docker containers. If you’re worried about cost uncertainty, we offer a simple per-user pricing structure.
