Add Support for Pre-Caching Images in ISOs Built with Image Factory

[skochev84]

Feature Request:

I would like to request the addition of support for pre-caching images inside the ISOs that are built using the Image Factory service. This feature would greatly enhance the efficiency and usability of the ISOs, particularly in environments where network access is limited or restricted.

Use Case:

1. Pre-Caching Public Images: Allow users to specify a list of public container images that should be pre-cached inside the ISO during the build process. This would reduce the time required to pull these images when the ISO is deployed.

2. Support for Private Registries: Enable users to run the Image Factory locally with the ability to add credentials. This would allow images from private registries to be added to the cache inside the ISO. This is particularly useful for organizations that rely on private container registries for their applications.

Benefits:

• Improved Deployment Speed: Pre-caching images can significantly reduce the time required to deploy applications, as the images are already available locally.
• Enhanced Security: By allowing the inclusion of images from private registries, organizations can ensure that their sensitive images are securely included in the ISO.
• Flexibility: Users can customize the ISO to include the specific images they need, tailored to their environment and use cases.

Implementation Details:

• Configuration Options: Provide options in the Image Factory configuration to specify the images to be pre-cached.
• Credential Management: Implement a mechanism for securely adding and managing credentials for private registries when running the Image Factory locally.
• API Support: Add functionality to the Image Factory API to accept a list of images to be cached. This list can be sent as part of the API request, allowing for dynamic and flexible image caching during the ISO build process.
• Documentation: Update the documentation to include instructions on how to use these new features, including examples and best practices.

Additional Context:

This feature would be particularly beneficial for users who need to deploy applications in environments with limited or no internet access, as well as for those who require the use of private container images. By pre-caching these images, the deployment process becomes more efficient and secure.

Thank you for considering this feature request. I am happy to provide any additional information or clarification as needed.

[smira]

Yes, we considered this option in the future.

For public-facing https://factory.talos.dev/ we might provide an option to bundle "default" images (for various issues related to private images), but if you run your own Image Factory, any images can be cached (this is up to the user to control and configure).