Container Registry
A registry is where your software lives – as an image, versioned and ready to deploy.
For developers: a place to store builds.
For ops teams: a central tool.
For decision-makers: a way to gain control and security.
And for us: a core part of automated infrastructure.
Why is the registry so important?
Modern software isn’t deployed as source code anymore – it’s shipped as a container image.
These images must be stored, versioned, and distributed reliably.
The registry is the hub of this process:
- No registry, no image
- No image, no deployment
- No deployment, no production
A registry enables:
- Reproducibility – every deployment is based on a defined version
- Traceability – who deployed what, when, and how
- Security – via access control, TLS & image signing
- Efficiency – with layer reuse & caching
What makes a registry?
Think of it like a package manager (npm, pip) – but for containers:
- Images can be pushed, pulled, tagged, and managed
- Supports public & private repositories
- Works seamlessly with CI/CD, Kubernetes, and more
Examples include:
- Docker Hub – public and centralized
- GitLab Registry – built into DevOps workflows
- Harbor – self-hosted, enterprise-ready
- Forgejo/Gitea Registry – lightweight and open-source
Registry vs. File Server
Container images consist of multiple layers. A proper registry:
- understands the image format
- reuses layers efficiently (caching)
- supports APIs, tagging & authentication
- integrates with CI/CD and deployment tools
A file server can’t do any of that.
How we handle registries at RiKuWe
We operate registries for our clients – secure, maintainable, transparent:
- Fully managed with TLS, auth, backups & cleanup
- Or integrated into existing systems (GitLab, Harbor, etc.)
- Tightly connected with CI/CD, PPO/PO environments, and Kubernetes
Your team builds software –
we make sure the images get where they need to go, safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a container registry?
A registry is a central storage location for container images. It allows you to store, version, and distribute images for deployment.
Why do I need a registry?
Without a registry, you can’t deploy or deliver container images. It’s essential for automated deployments, traceability, and secure workflows.
How is a registry different from a file server?
A registry understands container image formats – including layers, tags, and metadata. A file server doesn’t support this functionality.
Which registries does RiKuWe use?
We primarily use Harbor – self-hosted, secure, and multi-tenant-ready. Depending on the project, we also integrate GitLab or Forgejo registries. Public registries like Docker Hub are used selectively and with strict security policies.
Can I run my own registry?
Yes – but you’ll need to plan for authentication, TLS, backups, and cleanup. We support setup, operation, or integration.
