Introduction to SUSE Linux Base Container Images
SUSE Linux Base Container Images (SUSE Linux BCI) provide a set of container images that are truly open, flexible and secure. They are designed to provide the foundation for your cloud native applications, eneabling you to build, deploy and share freely distributable SLES-based container images provided by SUSE.
SUSE Linux BCI is based on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 15 and 16. It is compatible with SLES without a subscription. Likewise, it features the same predictable enterprise lifecycle as SLES. The free BCI repository (which is a subset of the SLES repository) provides access to over 4,000 packages. The packages in this repository undergo quality assurance and security audits by SUSE.
Additionally, SUSE offers L3 support for SUSE Linux BCI through SUSE subscription plans.
Security
To ensure a secure supply chain, SUSE signs all container images. Packages in the free BCI repository undergo the same security audits as SLES. Likewise, SUSE Linux BCI benefits from the same CVE mitigation as SLES.
Stability
Since SUSE Linux BCI is based on SLES, it features the same level of stability, quality assurance, and enterprise lifecycle. The container images receive regular maintenance updates. These updates provide bug fixes, improvements and security patches.
Integration
SUSE Linux BCI works on any OCI-compliant runtime and Linux OS. No vendor lock-in. Drop-in replacements are available for selected container images from Docker Hub.
Redistribution
The SUSE Linux BCI EULA allows you to redistribute container images based on SUSE Linux BCI. No subscription required; ideal for development and production deployments.