Run Bitrise builds on your own infrastructure: The Bitrise Runner

Traditional build environments have their constraints. That’s why we’ve launched the Bitrise Runner as part of our "Run Anywhere" initiative, empowering you to run Bitrise builds on your own infrastructure. Let's explore what the Bitrise Runner brings to the table and how it can supercharge your Mobile DevOps development processes. 

What is the Bitrise Runner?

The Bitrise Runner is a new capability that allows you to use the machine of your choice within your own infrastructure, to run Bitrise builds, providing enhanced security, geolocation flexibility, and control over build environments. That’s right, you can tie in any compatible Linux and macOS machine to run Bitrise builds, whether it's your local workstation, an on-premises server, or a cloud instance. With the Bitrise Runner, our aim is to give developers the freedom to leverage their own infrastructure while still enjoying the benefits of the Bitrise platform.

Key differences from managed machines

The Bitrise Runner introduces a paradigm shift in how you manage your build environments. Let's compare the key differences between Bitrise-managed machines, the Bitrise Runner, and Bitrise on AWS:

🧍‍♂️User-managed

🤖 Bitrise managed

Feature

Bitrise-managed
Bitrise Runner ⚠️
Bitrise on AWS
Mobile Build Environment 🤖 🧍‍♂️ 🤖 AMI
macOS Virtualization 🤖 🧍‍♂️

🤖 AMI
macOS infra management 🤖

🧍‍♂️

🤖 AWS Controller
Machine ownership 🤖 🧍‍♂️ AWS

⚠️ While the Bitrise Runner offers unparalleled flexibility, there is maintenance and setup effort involved compared to Bitrise-managed machines. Note that with the Bitrise Runner, you'll be using bare metal machines for your builds. This opens up exciting possibilities for faster builds, prewarming machines, and larger free disk space. This can be particularly useful for mobile gaming companies, leveraging features like Unity license handling.

How does it work?

Getting started with the Bitrise Runner is easy. We offer support for Linux and macOS platforms, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of environments. Check out our DevCenter article for a step-by-step guide on setting up the Bitrise Runner on your machines.

Some of the benefits of using the Bitrise Runner include:

  • Enhanced security: Run builds within your own environment, ensuring data privacy and compliance.
  • Geolocation flexibility: Customers outside the US can now leverage the Bitrise Runner for faster build times and improved performance.
  • In-house control: Take full control of your build environment, leveraging your existing infrastructure and resources. Your builds can run close to the in-house services that you depend on, for example, your hosted source control or security scanning tools.
  • Bare metal setup: The Bitrise Runner offers flexibility for specialized requirements, including bare metal setups for builds finishing faster. 

Build vs buy: Transitioning to Bitrise

For teams looking to transition to Bitrise, we offer a seamless two-step approach:

  • Build your own CI: Start by leveraging your existing machines and expertise. The Bitrise Runner allows you to continue using your purchased or rented machines while benefiting from Bitrise's advanced features.
  • Scale with Bitrise: As your needs grow, seamlessly transition to Bitrise-managed machines for increased scalability and ease of management. Sunset your own machines without losing any value from your investment.

Pricing and availability

We've designed the Bitrise Runner to cater to teams of all sizes and budgets. Here's a breakdown of the pricing and availability across our plans:

  • Starter Package: You can tie in as many Bitrise Runners as your global concurrency tier allows (tiers range from 1 to 3). Enjoy up to 3 concurrencies for free, with the flexibility to tie in stronger machines.
  • Teams and Velocity: Receive 2 Bitrise Runners for free. Teams can purchase additional Runners, up to 10, for $50 per month.
  • Platform Pricing: Enjoy unlimited Bitrise Runner options, with per-build pricing to ensure maximum flexibility and value. Pricing is based on agreement.

Future developments

We're currently testing a Windows Runner binary, which will offer even more flexibility and choice for your build environments. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development!

Get started with the Bitrise Runner today

Ready to take control of your build environments and unlock new possibilities for your development workflow? Dive into the Bitrise Runner and experience the freedom of running builds on your terms. Visit our DevCenter and https://bitrise.io/legal for detailed documentation and the Runner terms of use, and start your journey today. 

Not yet a Bitrise user? No problem. You can begin your Mobile DevOps journey with a 30-day, no-strings-attached free trial at Bitrise.

Get Started for free

Start building now, choose a plan later.

Sign Up

Get started for free

Start building now, choose a plan later.