Google Container Registry

  • Author: Ronald Fung

  • Creation Date: 14 June 2023

  • Next Modified Date: 14 June 2024

A. Introduction

Google Container Registry provides secure, private Docker repository storage on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). You can use gcloud to push repositories to your registry, then you can pull repositories using an HTTP endpoint from any machine, whether it’s a Google Compute Engine instance or your own hardware. You pay only for storage and internet egress you use, there is no per-image fee.

Store your private Docker container images on GCP for fast, scalable retrieval and deployment. Container Registry is a private Docker repository that works with popular continuous delivery systems. It runs on GCP’s Andromeda based network fabric to provide consistent uptime on an infrastructure protected by Google’s security. Your private images are stored in Google Cloud Storage and cached in our datacenters, ready to be deployed to Google Container Engine clusters or Compute Engine VMs running Container-Optimized OS. In addition, you can create build pipelines with Google Cloud Build that automatically build and push container images to Container Registry from your source repository on Google Cloud Source Repositories, GitHub, or Bitbucket.

B. How is it used at Seagen

Google Container Registry is a managed Docker container registry that allows businesses to store, manage, and deploy Docker container images on Google Cloud. Here are some ways that Seagen can use Google Container Registry to improve their container image management and deployment process:

  1. Container Image Storage: Google Container Registry allows businesses to store Docker container images securely and reliably. Seagen can use Google Container Registry to store their container images and ensure that they are available when needed.

  2. Integration with Kubernetes: Google Container Registry integrates with Kubernetes, enabling businesses to deploy containerized applications on Google Cloud using Kubernetes. Seagen can use Google Container Registry to store container images that are used in their Kubernetes clusters.

  3. Fine-grained Access Control: Google Container Registry provides fine-grained access control, enabling businesses to control who has access to their container images. Seagen can use Google Container Registry to ensure that only authorized users have access to their container images.

  4. Multi-Regional Replication: Google Container Registry supports multi-regional replication, enabling businesses to replicate their container images across multiple regions for improved availability and performance. Seagen can use Google Container Registry to replicate their container images across multiple regions to ensure that they are available to users in different locations.

  5. Integration with Cloud Build: Google Container Registry integrates with Google Cloud Build, enabling businesses to automate their build and deployment process. Seagen can use Google Container Registry in conjunction with Google Cloud Build to automate their container image build and deployment process.

By using Google Container Registry, Seagen can improve their container image management and deployment process, accelerate time-to-market for their applications, and reduce the risk of errors and downtime.

C. Features

Google Container Registry is a managed Docker container registry that allows businesses to store, manage, and deploy container images on Google Cloud. Here are some of the key features of Google Container Registry:

  1. Private Container Registry: Google Container Registry is a private container registry that enables businesses to store and manage their container images securely and reliably on Google Cloud.

  2. Integration with Kubernetes: Google Container Registry integrates with Kubernetes, enabling businesses to deploy containerized applications on Google Cloud using Kubernetes.

  3. Fine-grained Access Control: Google Container Registry provides fine-grained access control, enabling businesses to control who has access to their container images. This ensures that only authorized users have access to the container images.

  4. Multi-Regional Replication: Google Container Registry supports multi-regional replication, enabling businesses to replicate their container images across multiple regions for improved availability and performance.

  5. Automated Builds: Google Container Registry integrates with Google Cloud Build, enabling businesses to automate their build and deployment process for container images.

  6. Container Vulnerability Scanning: Google Container Registry provides container image vulnerability scanning, which helps businesses identify security risks and vulnerabilities in their container images.

  7. Custom Metadata: Google Container Registry allows businesses to add custom metadata to their container images, making it easier to manage and search for container images.

  8. Cost-Effective: Google Container Registry is a cost-effective solution for storing and managing container images, with pricing based on usage and storage.

Overall, Google Container Registry provides a range of features and services that enable businesses to store, manage, and deploy container images on Google Cloud. By using Google Container Registry, businesses can improve their container image management and deployment process, accelerate time-to-market for their applications, and reduce the risk of errors and downtime.

D. Where Implemented

LeanIX

E. How it is tested

Testing Google Container Registry involves verifying that the container images are stored, managed, and deployed correctly and securely. Here are some steps you can take to test Google Container Registry:

  1. Define Container Image: Define the container image for your application and create a Dockerfile that specifies the build steps and dependencies. This file can be stored in a source code repository like GitHub or Bitbucket.

  2. Build Container Image: Build the container image using Docker and verify that the build process is successful. This can include checking that all dependencies are included, that the application is built correctly, and that any tests have passed.

  3. Push Container Image: Push the container image to Google Container Registry and verify that it has been stored correctly. This can include checking that the image is available in the registry and that the metadata is correct.

  4. Deploy Container Image: Deploy the container image to your target environment, such as a Kubernetes cluster, and verify that it works correctly. This can include testing that the application is accessible, that it performs as expected, and that there are no errors or bugs.

  5. Monitor Performance: Monitor the performance of the application to ensure that it is stable, secure, and performing as expected. This can include monitoring application logs, usage statistics, and other performance metrics.

By following these steps, you can test Google Container Registry and ensure that your container image management and deployment process is working correctly and producing the expected results. It’s important to regularly test your container image management and deployment process to ensure that it remains reliable and efficient and to avoid costly errors or downtime.

F. 2023 Roadmap

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G. 2024 Roadmap

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H. Known Issues

While Google Container Registry is a robust and reliable container registry service, there are some known issues or limitations that you should be aware of. Here are some of the common issues with Google Container Registry:

  1. Limited Container Image Size: Google Container Registry has a maximum container image size limit of 30GB, which may not be sufficient for larger or more complex container images. It’s important to monitor container image size and adjust the storage settings as needed.

  2. Limited Integration: While Google Container Registry integrates with Kubernetes and other Google Cloud services, it may not integrate with all third-party tools or services. It’s important to review the integration options and ensure that all necessary integrations are supported.

  3. Limited Customization: While Google Container Registry allows businesses to add custom metadata to their container images, the customization options may be limited for more complex container images. It’s important to review the customization options and ensure that they meet the specific needs of your application.

  4. Cost: Google Container Registry is a paid service, and the cost can increase significantly for businesses with large or complex container images. It’s important to review the pricing structure and estimate the cost of the service for your specific needs.

  5. Network Latency: Google Container Registry may experience network latency, especially for businesses that are located far from the Google Cloud data centers. It’s important to monitor network latency and adjust the storage settings as needed.

It’s important to be aware of these limitations and issues when using Google Container Registry. By understanding these challenges, you can better ensure that your container image management and deployment process remains reliable and efficient and avoid costly errors or downtime.

[x] Reviewed by Enterprise Architecture

[x] Reviewed by Application Development

[x] Reviewed by Data Architecture