The integration of Docker with the Nx framework facilitates the deployment of Java backends from a monorepo to a live environment by automating the creation and management of Docker images. By utilizing Docker, developers can ensure consistent builds across various platforms like AWS or GCP, while the new @nx/docker plugin simplifies Docker workflow management within Nx. The setup involves creating a Dockerfile, configuring port forwarding, and utilizing Nx’s orchestration to automate tasks. This approach streamlines the release process, allowing Nx to build, version, and publish Docker images to repositories like Docker Hub, making deployment straightforward across different providers. The plugin is experimental but promises to enhance the existing build and release workflows by reducing manual deployment tasks.