Q: In general, why choose GitLab over GitHub or BitBucket or other repositories?

A: It’s at no-cost for users. It’s secure. Option for private repositories.

Integration with Partners LDAP for user accounts management and on PHS Network

Q: Is there any requirements to access GitLab?

A: Yes – Internal account users must be on the Partners’ VPN, in order to access the site.

External user accounts do not need to be on Partners’ VPN.

Q: Is there any limitations on the number of projects and storage space?

A: Yes – Internal user accounts can have up to a total of 25 projects and up to 10 GB per project.

Users may request an increase to these limitations, for an additional cost. 
 

Q: Does GitLab support CI/CD?

A: Yes - Common CI/CD tools like Jenkins and Travis can be integrated with GitLab.

Q: Can you put PHI on GitLab?

A: No - Absolutely NOT!

Q: Can external users be granted access?

A: Yes - Non-PHS users can be granted GitLab account access by having an internal user sponsor at Partners Healthcare.

** Please note:  External user accounts cannot create groups or projects in GitLab.

Q: How up-to-date is the Partners instance of GitLab?

A: We run the community edition of GitLab and follow their release schedule.

Software updates are scheduled to occur at least once per quarter. If security-related releases are available, we aim to apply those as soon as possible.

With most software update cycles, there is a system downtime – we attempt to notify all users ahead of time for any upcoming downtime.

Q: I’ve seen some cool features in the cloud version of GitLab. Would there be available in the Partners GitLab instance?

A: It depends - We attempt to enable all cool and useful features in GitLab, but some features require additional setup and infrastructure, which prevents us from enabling it.

This can be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Email your specific question to us, at: rcc@partners.org and someone will follow-up with you, directly!

Q:  Is the data backed-up?

A: Yes – The repositories are backed-up nightly via the standard Partners TSM process.

We do, however, encourage you to create independent backups of your repositories

Q: What kind of support can we expect to receive?

A: Given the complexity of the application and the workflows that can be setup with Git and Gitlab, you can expect to receive best-effort support with a focus on the application’s main functionality, user access, and project setup.

Q: Is there documentation on how to use the service?

A: Much of the useful documentation can be found on the GitLab Site.

Q: How do I sign up for the GitLab service?

A: Go to the Partners' GitLab and try to sign using your Partners ID and Password.

If you receive a message saying you are blocked from the system, email: rcc@partners.org asking them to activate your account.

** If you do not see your question here or just want to know more information on the GitLab Service, please email: rcc@partners.org