GitLab is the central component of modern DevOps processes — code hosting, CI/CD pipelines, container registry, issue tracking in one place. Running GitLab yourself (instead of SaaS at a US vendor) needs a solid server configuration, backups, updates and a runner setup that grows with you.
We run GitLab hands-on — GDPR-compliant in German or European data centres, provider-neutral (AWS, Google Cloud, Hetzner, Gridscale, OVH), including backup strategy, update management with snapshot and 24/7 availability.
With our independent Managed GitLab hosting we help you choose the right hosting provider and operate your GitLab instance professionally — Community Edition or Enterprise Edition.
hosting only in German or European data centres — no US cloud, no third-country transfer.
Community Edition or Enterprise Edition — we operate both and advise neutrally.
availability via phone and Slack — direct contact, no ticket system with escalation levels.
As an independent service provider we are not tied to specific hosting providers. We advise neutrally on provider choice — AWS, Google Cloud, Hetzner, Gridscale, OVH or other European vendors. That flexibility lets us find the best and most cost-effective solution for your use case.
GitLab SaaS at a US vendor is convenient but brings two problems: data location and per-user costs at scale. On-premise with European hosting solves both — and gives you full control over runner scaling, storage paths and backup strategy.
What we operate
Hosting: Hetzner Cloud, Gridscale, OVH (or your provider of choice)
OS: Ubuntu LTS
Region: Germany / EU
We run GitLab on top of our Managed Cloud Servers — including runner infrastructure, backup strategy and update management. We use GitLab ourselves internally for all our customer projects — so we know exactly where the pitfalls are.
nginx
PostgreSQL
Redis
Sidekiq + Puma
Docker
GitLab (CE + EE)
GitLab Runner (Docker / Shell / Kubernetes executor)
Container Registry
S3-compatible object storage (backups, artifacts, LFS)
Icinga2, Grafana, VictoriaMetrics (monitoring)
24/7 monitoring of all critical GitLab components
Performance monitoring of the GitLab instance (Sidekiq queue, Puma pool, PostgreSQL slow queries)
Proactive problem detection via automated alerting
System resource and storage utilisation monitoring
Automated daily backups of the GitLab instance
Geographically distributed backup storage
Regular backup validation and recovery tests
Adjustable backup retention according to your requirements
GitLab updates are coordinated by default during agreed maintenance windows — with a host snapshot (e.g. on Hetzner) as a rollback point before every update. For critical major versions we test up front on a staging environment. On request we automate the entire process, including the pre-update snapshot and a post-update health check.
Regular security updates — including ad-hoc for critical CVEs
Planned major-version updates with minimal downtime
Prior testing of all updates in a staging environment
Detailed update documentation and rollback plans
Setup and maintenance of GitLab Runner infrastructure (Docker, shell or Kubernetes executor)
Scalable runner configuration on demand — auto-scaling on request
Integration with multiple cloud providers
CI/CD pipeline performance optimisation
Hosting exclusively in German or European data centres
Implementation of all required data protection measures
Transparent documentation of data protection processes
Support for drafting data processing agreements
What this looks like in practice is shown in our KRUU case study: multi-cloud architecture across two continents with GitLab as the central DevOps platform for all code repositories, CI/CD pipelines and container builds. We also run GitLab internally for our own customer projects — so we know the pitfalls from daily use, not just from the docs.
"What I like about Andy and his team is their focus on the best solution – for us as customers. Even if it sometimes means less revenue for 'We Manage.' I don't know this kind of approach from other service providers. I can highly recommend We Manage!"
Costs consist of two parts: the direct hosting costs of the chosen provider and our management and support services.
Exact costs depend on your requirements — number of users, storage needs, runner scaling, support level. Our management fee alone starts at €50 / month per instance/server.
Initial setup typically takes 1–2 working days. Full migration of existing projects and fine-tuning the configuration (runners, container registry, LFS, backups) can take additional time depending on scope.
We support all current GitLab versions and help you choose the one that fits best. We work with both Community Edition and Enterprise Edition, depending on requirements.
Through a combination of technical and organisational measures: encryption, regular security updates, access controls, backup strategies and GDPR-compliant processes. All measures are documented transparently.
Yes, we also take over operation and management of existing GitLab installations. We first analyse the current state and then create a plan for optimisation and handover.
We offer different support levels, from basic monitoring up to 24/7 premium support. All support requests are handled by experienced GitLab specialists. We are reachable hands-on via our own GitLab or via Slack shared channels.
We run GitLab instances for KRUU among others and use GitLab ourselves internally for all customer projects. Further references on request.
Professional GitLab hosting requires expertise in several areas — from installation through CI/CD pipelines and runner scaling to ongoing operation.
As an independent managed service provider we help you choose the optimal hosting provider and take over operation of your GitLab instance. Our own long-running GitLab usage means we know the pitfalls first-hand.
Reach out and let us talk!
Feel free to get in touch with us for a no-obligation conversation. You can book a free, 15-minute initial consultation here or simply contact us through any of these channels.
