Deprecation of official Docker releases in favor of Python packages

[omri374]

Hello Presidio community,

We’re exploring a change to how we distribute Presidio and would love your input before making any moves. Our aim is to streamline releases and focus on our core Python packages while still giving container users everything they need to build and run Presidio on their own.

Why We’re Suggesting This Change

1. Sharper Focus on Core Functionality
   Maintaining both pre-built Docker images and Python packages adds CI/CD complexity and slows down our ability to deliver new features, improvements, and fixes. By concentrating on PyPI releases, we can iterate faster on the core product, which is the SDK.
2. Higher-Quality Python API & Libraries
   Less overhead means more engineering time for performance optimizations, richer documentation, and enhanced test coverage of the Python libraries - Presidio’s primary interface.
3. Customization Is at Our Core
   We know that many advanced use cases involve tweaking the Dockerfile (adjusting dependencies and configurations). Instead of publishing opaque images, we’d surface the Dockerfiles so you can build exactly the image you need for the platform you need.

What This Could Mean for You

• Docker images would remain available “as-is” on Docker Hub, but we would not issue any further updates including feature releases, bug fixes, or security patches.
• If you depend on updated containers, you can build your own from our maintained Dockerfiles and instructions in the repo.
• All new features, fixes, and security updates will be delivered via the Python packages on PyPI.

We’d Love Your Feedback

Before we move forward, please let us know:

1. How you currently use our Docker images:
   • Do you pull official tags directly, or build from source?
   • Which versions or base platforms matter most?
2. What you rely on in the existing images:
   • Specific entrypoint scripts, environment-variable setups, or bundled tools.
3. Any concerns or potential roadblocks:
   • Scenarios where updates (especially security patches) are critical and couldn't easily be handled via custom builds.

How to Share Feedback

Please let us know what you think by:

• Replying directly to this GitHub Discussion, or
• Emailing us at presidio@microsoft.com with details on how you’re using Docker today and any feedback on the proposed change.

Tentative Timeline

• Feedback period: Now through August 1st, 2025
• Decision on next steps: By August 14, 2025

We’re committed to supporting our community and want to make this transition, if it happens, as smooth and informed as possible.

Thanks for your continued support and partnership!

The Presidio Maintenance Team

Discussion board: #1601