Use Docker Pro subscription inside a company that uses an open source alternative

Docker Desktop
1

Hi,

My company starts to migrate to an open source alternative. Since I would like to continue using Docker for Mac, could I upgrade only my account to a Pro subscription that I’ll pay on my own? If yes, could I continue to use my PC with Pro subscription inside my company network for my work without any legal issue or do I have to upgrade to a Business plan?

Best regards,
Anh Tuan Kieu

2

As far as I know, yes, you can pay for your Pro subscription and use it for commercial projects at the company.

Unfortunately it is hard to find a clear list of what you can or can’t do with a subscription and I am not a Docker staff member to give you an offical answer, but I quote from the FAQ:

I work at a large company (5,000 employees, $2 billion annual revenue) and have been using Docker Desktop for free. Under the new subscription terms, do I need a paid subscription to continue using Docker Desktop?

Yes. Commercial use of Docker Desktop at a company of more than 250 employees OR more than $10 million in annual revenue requires a paid subscription (Pro, Team, or Business) to use Docker Desktop. While the updated terms for Docker Desktop are effective as of August 31, 2021 there is a grace period until January 31, 2022 for those that need to transition from a free to a paid subscription to use Docker Desktop.

I highlighted that it says you can have Pro licence which is for individual developers.

Also notice the conditions:

more than 250 employees OR more than $10 million in annual revenue

So if you are working for a smaller company with less profit, you may continue to use Docker Desktop for free. But I guess the company wanted to use an alternative because otherwise they should have paid for Docker Desktop.

3

Hi there,

Thank you for your response. Exactly, my company has much more than 250 employees, that’s why they want to switch to the open-source solution.

I am ready to pay myself a Pro subscription to avoid headaches migrating to this solution but I will also need to make sure that my company will not face any legal issue, otherwise it’d be me that the letter from Docker lawer is sent to :smiley:

I hope that someone from Docker could clarify this question.

4

Hi, yes this is fine, you can use a Pro subscription in the company.

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