Keep It Simple: Scalable GitHub Runners with Docker Compose (ENG)

Abstract: 📄
Deploying GitHub Action runners can be challenging, especially in on-premises environments where scalability and resource utilization are critical. Traditionally, runners can be deployed directly on bare metal or VMs, or within a Kubernetes cluster. However, bare metal and VMs often struggle with scalability, and Kubernetes requires access tokens that may not be granted in enterprise environments. Additionally, Kubernetes scenarios can be complex to handle.
This talk presents a novel solution that bridges the gap: utilizing Docker Compose to deploy GitHub Action runners. This approach offers the best of both worlds, enabling efficient scaling and resource utilization while maintaining simplicity. By leveraging Docker Compose, teams can use their existing machines without the need for complex Kubernetes setups. Attendees will learn how this method simplifies the deployment process, making it easier to manage and scale GitHub Action runners in various environments.
Join this session to discover how Docker Compose can transform your GitHub Actions deployment strategy, providing a practical and scalable solution that meets the needs of modern development teams.

Speaker: 📢
Till Spindler has more than 15 years of experience in building and running .NET based web applications. In the past he took the scrum role of a developer and product owner in agile product development teams. He was responsible for the software architecture, software security and implemented the use of DevOps as well as coached other teams with peer programming in these topics.
Over the last few years, he has changed his focus and now follows his interests in new technologies, helping customers to adopt or improve their DevOps. Moreover, he is also active as an agile coach to support teams to adopt and/or improve their agile software development with a strong focus on DevOps.

Co-Speaker: 🙋‍♂️
Marius Boden

Language: 💬
English