## Overview We're working towards delivery of [Protocells](https://gitlab.com/groups/gitlab-com/gl-infra/-/epics/1616#), eg. a simplified version of the original Cells plan. A prerequisite for this to be feasible is the minimal implementation of an isolated Organization, which can be hosted on a Cell by transferring an existing top-level group into an Organization with no connections to any other entity. In order for this to succeed, we need to develop multiple features, including: * Isolation between Organizations, enforced at the Rails level * The ability to transfer/convert a top-level group into a standalone Organization * Basic (username/password) sign-in to an Organization * Initial administration area for an Organizations * Scoping of features for Organization-aware GitLab There are also additional non-functional requirements (eg. documentation, customer support guidance etc.) which are also part of this work. ### What this Epic is for We already have a significant amount of Organizations-related Epics. This one is intended to focus on the **deliverable work** to support the initial launch of Protocells. We have many existing places which serve as backlogs, parking lots, discussion points, and other repositories of work for Organizations dating back several years. This Epic is to help ~"group::organizations" focus tightly on a subset of features which we **must** deliver for the targeted goal of Protocells. ## Exit criteria * A top-level group can be transferred to an Organization * An Organization is isolated and data cannot cross its boundaries in either direction * A user can provide their email address/username and be taken to an Organization-scoped sign-in page to authenticate * A user can administer their Organization using a subset of settings applicable to their cohort * All of the existing GitLab features in scope for [Protocells Cohort 1](https://gitlab.com/groups/gitlab-org/-/epics/18384) are available and scoped to the current Organization ## Further reading * Protocells epic: https://gitlab.com/groups/gitlab-org/-/epics/18384 * Cohort analysis: https://gitlab.com/gitlab-com/gl-infra/mstaff/-/issues/474 * [Organization Design Docs](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/engineering/architecture/design-documents/organization/) * Organizations HQ epic: https://gitlab.com/groups/gitlab-org/-/epics/7210 * Organization Buildout epic: https://gitlab.com/groups/gitlab-org/-/epics/9265 ## Project Work ### :white_check_mark: Completed Work Items that have been completed <details> | **Topic** | **Started** | **Ended** | **Summary** | |-----------| ------------| ----------| ------------ | | [Transfer a top-level group into an Organization](https://gitlab.com/groups/gitlab-org/-/epics/19413) <br/> ~"group::organizations" | 2025-09-13 | 2025-11-28 | **2025-11-10**: <br>:tada: **achievements**:<br><br>- Moved the following issues out of this epic into a future iteration since they're not immediately relevant:<br>* https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/issues/571543+<br>* https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/issues/571542+<br>- Merged https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/merge_requests/210812+<br><br>:issue-blocked: **blockers**:<br><br>- None<br><br>:arrow_forward: **next**:<br><br>- Finishing up this epic. Then we need to move on to https://gitlab.com/groups/gitlab-org/-/epics/19841+<br><br>_Copied from https://gitlab.com/groups/gitlab-org/-/epics/19413#note_2877228906_<br><!-- STATUS NOTE END --><br> | </details> ### :rotating_light: Epics that need attention These linked epics are not in the correct state or missing a workflow label <details> | **Topic** | **Links** | **Reason** | |-----------|-----------|-------------| | [Move instance level endpoints to Organization level](https://gitlab.com/groups/gitlab-org/-/epics/19542) <br/> (+0) <br/> group::organizations | Labeling problem, epic has no workflow label | </details> ### Epic Color Legend: - `#1068BF`: Not Started - `#217645`: On Track - `#9E5400`: Needs Attention - `#C91C00`: At Risk