I don't think there's any danger as long as everything is open and interchangeable, and you can steer clear of Docker (the company) even if you like Docker (the format). So far that's basically the case with all of the Docker projects.
Ideally in the future, Docker will become an HTTP for servers, with standardized and competing servers/clients/services. I like the idea of that future. Publically, the Docker folks seem open to it.
However, I do see where you're coming from. As a for profit Docker has every incentive (perhaps even fiduciary duty) to pull the good ol' technology bait-and-switch: get Docker on every server, and the create a Kafkaesque technology dilemma to squeeze the dollars out of everyone who bought in. Microsoft's playbook has plenty of tips on how to do this.
I guess the only solution as a Docker user is to be hypersensitive to any sign that Docker wants to start locking the technology to the company. When you can imagine the day you can't use Docker (the containers) without Docker (the company), it's time to run the other way fast.
But I can't see that day yet, and I hope I never do. And I hope Docker as a company can find a way to grow without using that oldest, sleaziest trick in the book.
We should probably note this 'shingler' account was created exactly at the same time this post was submitted to HN, and this is the account's first comment... in support of this article.
Ideally in the future, Docker will become an HTTP for servers, with standardized and competing servers/clients/services. I like the idea of that future. Publically, the Docker folks seem open to it.
However, I do see where you're coming from. As a for profit Docker has every incentive (perhaps even fiduciary duty) to pull the good ol' technology bait-and-switch: get Docker on every server, and the create a Kafkaesque technology dilemma to squeeze the dollars out of everyone who bought in. Microsoft's playbook has plenty of tips on how to do this.
I guess the only solution as a Docker user is to be hypersensitive to any sign that Docker wants to start locking the technology to the company. When you can imagine the day you can't use Docker (the containers) without Docker (the company), it's time to run the other way fast.
But I can't see that day yet, and I hope I never do. And I hope Docker as a company can find a way to grow without using that oldest, sleaziest trick in the book.