Mirantis Container Runtime
Mirantis Container Runtime (MCR) is a paid enterprise container engine for running business-critical applications with a supported runtime.
What Mirantis Container Runtime is
Mirantis Container Runtime (MCR) is a paid enterprise container engine for running business-critical applications with a supported runtime. It works with Docker-based workflows, including Dockerfiles, APIs, and the familiar CLI, while supporting Kubernetes and Docker Swarm orchestration. Combined with Mirantis Secure Registry, MCR can validate and sign images so deployments use approved images. It includes FIPS 140-2 validated cryptography and post-quantum hybrid key exchange for TLS 1.3 connections, including Swarm control-plane and registry operations. Supported hosts include Oracle Linux, RHEL, Rocky Linux, SLES, Ubuntu, and Windows Server; Windows Server supports native Docker containers. The runtime interface is containerd, with Kubernetes CRI, rootless mode, image building, and optional crun or gVisor runtimes.
Good
- Supports Kubernetes and Docker Swarm orchestration
- Docker-compatible CLI, Dockerfiles, and APIs
- FIPS 140-2 validated cryptography
- Rootless mode and image building
- Native Windows Server containers
Watch out
- Paid subscriptions with no free plan
- Linux support excludes Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel
- Subscriptions require a minimum one-year term
- Pricing is per node
Who it suits
MCR suits organizations running containerized applications on supported Linux or Windows Server hosts. It is aimed at teams needing Kubernetes or Swarm choices, Docker compatibility, and supported security features.
Verdict
MCR combines Docker workflow compatibility with Kubernetes and Swarm support across listed Linux and Windows hosts. Its security, image-validation, and support options fit organizations that need a paid enterprise runtime.
Plans and prices
From Mirantis Container Runtime's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Mirantis Container Runtime for Linux with 8X5 Support · 1 year | $1,125 a year | Linux · 8×5 basic support · per node · minimum 1 year · Starting at $1,125.00 / 1 year per node |
| Mirantis Container Runtime for Windows Server with 8X5 Support · 1 year | $1,125 a year | Windows Server · 8×5 basic support · per node · minimum 1 year · Starting at $1,125.00 / 1 year per node |
| Mirantis Container Runtime for Linux with 24X7 Support · 1 year | $2,250 a year | Linux · 24×7 enterprise support · per node · minimum 1 year · Starting at $2,250.00 / 1 year per node |
| Mirantis Container Runtime for Windows Server with 24X7 Support · 1 year | $2,250 a year | Windows Server · 24×7 enterprise support · per node · minimum 1 year · Starting at $2,250.00 / 1 year per node |
| Mirantis Container Runtime for Windows Server with 8X5 Support · 3 years | $3,037.50 a year | Windows Server · 8×5 basic support · per node · Starting at $3,037.50 / 3 years per node |
| Mirantis Container Runtime for Linux with 8X5 Support · 3 years | $3,037.50 a year | Linux · 8×5 basic support · per node · Starting at $3,037.50 / 3 years per node |
| Mirantis Container Runtime for Windows Server with 24X7 Support · 3 years | $6,075 a year | Windows Server · 24×7 enterprise support · per node · Starting at $6,075.00 / 3 years per node |
| Mirantis Container Runtime for Linux with 24X7 Support · 3 years | $6,075 a year | Linux · 24×7 enterprise support · per node · Starting at $6,075.00 / 3 years per node |
The facts
Each one read from Mirantis Container Runtime's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Cryptography
- MCR provides FIPS 140-2 validated cryptography for regulated encryption requirements.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Docker compatibility
- MCR is compatible with Docker-based workflows, including familiar CLI, Dockerfiles, and APIs.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Image validation
- Combined with Mirantis Secure Registry, MCR can validate and sign container images so only approved images can run.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Notable compatibility limit
- The MCR compatibility matrix says MCR supports only Red Hat Compatible Kernel, not Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Optional runtimes
- MCR documentation describes optional alternative OCI runtimes, including crun and gVisor.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Orchestration
- MCR supports Kubernetes and Docker Swarm, allowing users to select an orchestration solution.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Post-quantum security
- MCR supports post-quantum hybrid key exchange for TLS 1.3 connections, including Swarm control plane and registry operations.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- MCR is an enterprise container engine for running business-critical applications with a supported runtime.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- MCR subscriptions provide prioritized support, with service levels depending on subscription and the cloud or cluster designated in a support case.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support response
- The Linux 24×7 OpsCare listing specifies a 30-minute initial response for Severity 1 incidents and a minimum one-year subscription.checked 7 Oct 2026
The company
- Headquarters
- Campbell, California, United Stateschecked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Linux platforms
- The compatibility matrix lists Oracle Linux, RHEL, Rocky Linux, SLE, and Ubuntu versions for supported MCR releases.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Windows platform
- MCR enables native Docker containers on supported Windows Server versions.checked 7 Oct 2026
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