Docker Divests dotCloud to Accelerate Container Innovation
Docker, Inc., the commercial entity behind the popular open-source Docker project, has strategically sold its dotCloud Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) division to Berlin-based cloudControl. This move enables Docker to concentrate fully on its rapidly growing containerization technology business.
Strategic Shift to Core Business
CEO Ben Golub emphasized the company’s need to prioritize Docker’s explosive growth: “Over the past 18 months, we’ve witnessed unprecedented adoption of Docker technology. This transaction allows us to dedicate all resources to our core container business while ensuring dotCloud customers transition to a capable new owner.”
Why cloudControl Was the Ideal Buyer
Docker established strict acquisition criteria to protect dotCloud’s 500+ customers:
- PaaS Expertise: Required an established, respected PaaS provider
- Commitment to Continuity: Buyer must maintain and develop the platform
- Strategic Alignment: Needed to benefit both companies’ growth trajectories
Andrew Rothfus, dotCloud’s Developer Support Manager, confirmed in a company blog post that cloudControl’s U.S. subsidiary completed the acquisition, noting: “cloudControl brings European PaaS leadership and U.S. expansion ambitions—making them the perfect steward for our platform.”
The Container Revolution Gains Momentum
Docker’s container technology has become a developer favorite by solving critical deployment challenges. As TechCrunch previously reported, Docker leverages containerization techniques pioneered by Google to enable:
- Safe application distribution
- Seamless development cycle transitions
- Consistent performance across environments
A Win-Win Transaction
The deal delivers strategic advantages for both parties:
For Docker:
- Focuses resources on container technology
- Transitions 4 dedicated dotCloud employees over 90 days
For cloudControl:
- Gains immediate U.S. market presence
- Acquires an established customer base
- Strengthens PaaS offerings
While financial terms remain undisclosed, Golub stressed the priority was customer welfare over monetary gain: “This transaction’s true value lies in securing dotCloud’s future while freeing Docker to innovate.”
Looking Ahead
This divestiture concludes Docker’s gradual shift from its PaaS origins to becoming the standard-bearer for container technology—a transition that began when the company rebranded from dotCloud to Docker, Inc. Customers can now benefit from cloudControl’s singular focus on PaaS solutions while Docker accelerates development of its groundbreaking container platform.
