1️⃣ Multiple Artifacts → Form a Package

• Artifacts (binaries, config files, resources) are bundled together into a versioned package.

2️⃣ Multiple Packages → Stored in a Repository

• These packages are uploaded and stored in a repository with metadata and version history.

3️⃣ Repository → Managed by RMS

• The repository is organized, secured, and version-controlled through a Repository Management System (RMS).

---

✅ In Short:

• Artifacts are the individual outputs from builds.
• Packages are collections of artifacts.
• Repositories store versioned packages.
• RMS manages repositories, versions, dependencies, and access.

Here are some of the best and widely used Repository Management Systems (RMS) across the industry:

---

✅ 1. JFrog Artifactory

• Type: Universal Artifact Repository
• Key Features:
  • Supports 30+ package types (Maven, npm, PyPI, Docker, Helm, etc.)
  • Acts as both RMS + Registry
  • Enterprise-grade scaling with HA and multi-site replication
  • Security scanning with JFrog Xray
• Best For: Large enterprises and DevOps pipelines with mixed technologies.

---

✅ 2. Sonatype Nexus Repository

• Type: Universal Artifact Repository
• Key Features:
  • Supports Maven, npm, Docker, PyPI, Helm, NuGet, etc.
  • Pro edition can act as Docker/OCI Registry
  • Strong integration with CI/CD tools
• Best For: Organizations with Java/Maven-heavy ecosystems or hybrid package management.

---

✅ 3. Apache Archiva

• Type: Open-Source RMS
• Key Features:
  • Lightweight and simple to set up
  • Supports Maven artifacts
  • Good for small teams and open-source projects
• Best For: Teams needing a free, lightweight Maven repository.

---

✅ 4. AWS CodeArtifact

• Type: Managed Cloud RMS
• Key Features:
  • Fully managed service on AWS
  • Supports npm, Maven, PyPI, NuGet
  • Integrates with AWS CI/CD and IAM
• Best For: AWS-centric environments that want a managed RMS.

---

✅ 5. Azure Artifacts

• Type: Managed Cloud RMS
• Key Features:
  • Part of Azure DevOps
  • Supports npm, Maven, Python, NuGet
  • Tight integration with Azure Pipelines and RBAC
• Best For: Microsoft/Azure ecosystem projects.

---

✅ 6. GitHub Packages

• Type: Cloud RMS + Registry
• Key Features:
  • Supports npm, Maven, Docker, RubyGems, NuGet
  • Integrated with GitHub Actions for CI/CD
• Best For: GitHub-based projects needing quick package hosting.

---

✅ 7. Harbor (CNCF Project)

• Type: Cloud-native RMS + Container Registry
• Key Features:
  • Specializes in Docker/OCI images and Helm charts
  • Security scanning, RBAC, replication
  • Open-source and Kubernetes-friendly
• Best For: Kubernetes-focused organizations needing private registries.

---

📌 Summary of Best Choices:

• Enterprise Universal RMS: JFrog Artifactory, Sonatype Nexus
• Lightweight/Open Source: Apache Archiva, Harbor
• Cloud Managed: AWS CodeArtifact, Azure Artifacts, GitHub Packages
• Kubernetes-Native: Harbor

---