Table of Contents
Gitlab
Gitlab is currently on major version 14. This needs to be updated to the current version 15 release this summer, regardless of the repository storage option chosen
Storage
Problem Overview
Gitlab has deprecated support for direct repository storage where the repositories are stored either locally, or through and NFS share, and gitlab accesses those directly. The new model of repository storage is to use Gitaly, which provides high-level RPC access to Git repositories. It is used by GitLab to read and write Git data.
Options
Keep Direct access NFS Repositories
This option would keep the existing method of repository storage with git repositories stored on the SoCS File server and served to Gitlab using NFS. This is not a realistic long term option, but may allow time to make a decision and purchase any required hardware.
Benefits
- Easiest to upgrade - no changes to configuration
- NFS file server has ample storage space - no new hardware currently necessary
Drawbacks
- NFS is no longer officially supported by Gitlab - we would be on our own for software support regarding repos
- No redundancy in storage (HA)
Single Gitlab Omnibus Gitaly Install
Using the existing gitlab omnibus package, enable gitaly on the current gitlab server and migrate repositories to being hosted locally.
Benefits
- Simplest install method to be ensure our installation is supported
Drawbacks
- May not have enough storage on VM node to accommodate all repositories
- May need to more actively prune old projects
- No redundancy in storage (HA)
- Added hardware (storage) may be necessary
Gitaly Cluster
Use the current gitlab server for most gitlab components, however install gitaly on multiple servers (minimum 3). Repositories would be stored on as many servers as stated by the replication factor.
Benefits
- Best performance - IO is spread out over multiple servers
- Storage spread over servers may defer hardware upgrades over single gitaly instance
- In compliance for gitlab support
- Redundant storage (HA)
Drawbacks
- Most complex to set up and maintain
- May still require new hardware (storage) as current VM storage is limited
Move to hosted Gitlab
Gitlab offers instances of the software hosted by them
Benefits
- All responsibility for hardware and software support offloaded
Drawbacks
- Costs may be prohibitive
- Would need to more actively prude accounts and repos
- Potential difficulty integrating with central logon ID