CNCF Partners with Docker to Strengthen Infrastructure for Open Source Projects

CNCF projects gain access to trusted container distribution, enhanced security tooling, and usage insights via Docker's Sponsored Open Source Program

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cloud Native Computing Foundation® (CNCF®), which builds sustainable ecosystems for cloud native software, today announced a new partnership with Docker, Inc.®, a provider of cloud-native application and AI-native application development solutions and infrastructure, to expand secure, scalable support for CNCF-hosted projects. Through this collaboration all CNCF projects will gain direct access to Docker's Sponsored Open Source (DSOS) program which helps open source communities grow and succeed by unlocking premium registry, security, and support services.

"Docker was a founding member of CNCF, and we've maintained a long-term open collaboration over the past decade," said Chris Aniszczyk, CTO, CNCF. "This partnership marks a step forward for CNCF projects and we're glad to work together to further secure the open source supply chain."

A Strategic Collaboration for the Ecosystem

With DSOS access, CNCF projects will now benefit from:

• Unlimited image pulls from Docker Hub
• Sponsored OSS status for greater trust and visibility
• Access to Docker Scout for vulnerability analysis and policy enforcement
• Automated image builds from source
• Docker usage metrics and engagement insights
• Streamlined support through open source channels

Docker Hub, the world's largest registry for discovering, sharing, and storing container images, supports over 22 billion image downloads each month and hosts more than 14 million images. This partnership reflects CNCF's commitment to supporting widely used infrastructure across the cloud native ecosystem, recognizing Docker's role in both open source and enterprise workflows.

For project maintainers, the partnership provides secure, scalable infrastructure tailored to the realities of running production-grade open source projects. For users, it ensures reliable and trustworthy access to the cloud native tools they depend on.

"Docker's mission has always been to empower developers, and we know that trust is earned through consistency, openness, and listening," said Michael Donovan, VP of Products at Docker. "This partnership with CNCF reflects a broader commitment to the open source community by helping maintainers grow their projects, reach more developers through Docker Hub, and deliver value to their communities faster with improved tools, automation, and support."

A Commitment to Secure Open Source Infrastructure

This partnership also highlights a shared commitment to strengthening the open source software supply chain. Tools like Docker Scout and Docker Hardened Images will provide CNCF projects with new layers of insight and control over container security, aligned with best practices in modern DevSecOps.

James Spurin, Docker captain and CNCF ambassador, added, "Docker Desktop has long been a key part of my cloud native workflows, and extending the DSOS program to CNCF projects will be a game-changer for maintainers and contributors alike."

Docker will also be listed as an official service provider on the CNCF Project Services page, enhancing discoverability and access for CNCF maintainers.

Next Steps for Maintainers

All CNCF projects are eligible to be enrolled and receive a DSOS badge on Docker Hub. Projects not yet enrolled or those wishing to opt in should contact the CNCF Service Desk.

Resources

• Docker Blog: Docker and CNCF: Partnering to Power the Future of Open Source
• CNCF Blog: CNCF Expands Infrastructure Support for Project Maintainers Through Partnership with Docker
• Apply to the DSOS at https://www.docker.com/community/open-source/application/.

About Docker
Docker drives modern software development by making it easy to adopt container technology to radically boost productivity, security, testing, and collaboration at every step of the developer experience, including emerging AI workflows. Embraced by over 20 million developers worldwide, Docker's unmatched flexibility and choice make it the preferred tool for developers seeking efficiency and innovation for creating modern applications. Learn more about Docker at www.docker.com.

About Cloud Native Computing Foundation

Cloud native computing empowers organizations to build and run scalable applications with an open source software stack in public, private, and hybrid clouds. The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) hosts critical components of the global technology infrastructure, including Kubernetes, Prometheus, and Envoy. CNCF brings together the industry's top developers, end users, and vendors and runs the largest open source developer conferences in the world. Supported by nearly 800 members, including the world's largest cloud computing and software companies, as well as over 200 innovative startups, CNCF is part of the nonprofit Linux Foundation. For more information, please visit www.cncf.io.

The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of The Linux Foundation, please see our trademark usage page. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

Media Contact

Haley White
The Linux Foundation
[email protected] 

SOURCE CNCF