Managing GitLab at scale demands strategic object storage configuration for optimal performance, security, and reliability. For artifacts, LFS, uploads, and packages, utilize a consolidated form to eliminate credential duplication and simplify management. This approach enables encrypted S3 buckets and proper Content-MD5 headers. However, the container registry requires a separate configuration as it does not support the consolidated form. It's crucial to use the newer s3_v2 driver for the container registry, as s3_v1 is deprecated. Disabling proxy downloads globally or per bucket dramatically reduces server load and egress costs by facilitating direct client downloads from object storage. Prioritize identity-based authentication, leveraging IAM roles for AWS, application default credentials for Google Cloud, and workload identities for Azure, instead of access keys. Implement additional security by enabling server-side encryption for both GitLab objects and the container registry. Organize data by using separate buckets for each component like artifacts, LFS, uploads, packages, and the registry, enhancing security and access control. While artifacts, LFS, and packages can leverage a consolidated form, the container registry necessitates a distinct configuration, though both benefit from direct downloads and identity-based authentication and encryption.