Multitenancy with Firebase (Is that possible?)

[dheerajpanyam]

Is it possible to achieve multi-tenancy with Firebase? For example i can achieve the same with Cloud SQL by having multiple database names in a single Cloud SQL instance I want to achieve the same with Firebase.  At this point it is 1 GCP /Firebase project per client which is operationally hard to maintain and overkill i feel.

[ms4446 · Accepted solution]

Yes, it is possible to achieve multi-tenancy with Firebase in Google Cloud. Firebase's Authentication service supports multi-tenancy, allowing you to create multiple tenants within a single Firebase project. Each tenant can have its own set of users, authentication methods, and roles.

To achieve multi-tenancy with Firebase Authentication, you will need to:

1. Enable multi-tenancy for your Firebase project.
2. Create one or more tenants within your Firebase project.
3. Configure your application to authenticate users against the appropriate tenant.

Once set up, you can manage your tenants programmatically using the Firebase Admin SDKs.

For data and storage:

• Shared Database: You can use a single Firebase Realtime Database instance or Firestore to store data for multiple tenants. Each tenant can have its own unique path or collection, isolating its data from other tenants.
• Shared Storage: With Firebase Storage, you can use a single bucket for multiple tenants. By using unique prefixes for each tenant, you can keep their files separate.

It's essential to implement proper security rules to ensure data isolation between tenants.

While Firebase offers various features facilitating multi-tenancy, it's crucial to understand each service's capabilities and limitations. If considering Firebase for a multi-tenant application, evaluate your requirements to ensure Firebase aligns with your needs.

[dheerajpanyam · Accepted solution]

Thanks so much @ms4446 Sir for your reply.  I have a couple of follow up questions

1. Is enabling  mulit-tenancy an option in the Firebase console?

[ms4446 · Accepted solution]

Yes, it is possible to achieve multi-tenancy with Firebase in Google Cloud. Firebase's Authentication service supports multi-tenancy, allowing you to create multiple tenants within a single Firebase project. Each tenant can have its own set of users, authentication methods, and roles.

To achieve multi-tenancy with Firebase Authentication, you will need to:

1. Enable multi-tenancy for your Firebase project.
2. Create one or more tenants within your Firebase project.
3. Configure your application to authenticate users against the appropriate tenant.

Once set up, you can manage your tenants programmatically using the Firebase Admin SDKs.

For data and storage:

• Shared Database: You can use a single Firebase Realtime Database instance or Firestore to store data for multiple tenants. Each tenant can have its own unique path or collection, isolating its data from other tenants.
• Shared Storage: With Firebase Storage, you can use a single bucket for multiple tenants. By using unique prefixes for each tenant, you can keep their files separate.

It's essential to implement proper security rules to ensure data isolation between tenants.

While Firebase offers various features facilitating multi-tenancy, it's crucial to understand each service's capabilities and limitations. If considering Firebase for a multi-tenant application, evaluate your requirements to ensure Firebase aligns with your needs.

[dheerajpanyam · Accepted solution]

Thanks so much @ms4446 Sir for your reply.  I have a couple of follow up questions

1. Is enabling  mulit-tenancy an option in the Firebase console?

[ms4446 · Accepted solution]

Firebase Authentication does support multi-tenancy, but this feature is primarily accessible through the Firebase Admin SDK. There isn't a direct option in the Firebase Console to "enable multi-tenancy." Instead, you'd manage multi-tenancy programmatically using the Firebase Admin SDK. This SDK lets you create, manage, and delete tenants, as well as configure authentication methods for each tenant.

[dheerajpanyam]

Got it thanks @ms4446 

[dheerajpanyam]

@ms4446  Can you point me to the documentation which describes this setup if there is one? Thanks much in advance.

[ankurbansal]

@ms4446 Hey, firebase imposes a limit of 30 APPs per project. Is multi-tenancy really possible with Firebase? 1 android, 1 iOS and 1 web can't let us go past max 10 tenants in a Firebase Project.

[ms4446]

Yes, the 30 apps per project limit in Firebase is a challenge for developing large-scale multi-tenant applications. 

Firebase's app limit restricts a single project from supporting extensive multi-tenant scenarios, particularly when each tenant requires dedicated Android, iOS, and Web apps. This constraint complicates the architecture for applications needing comprehensive platform coverage.

Potential Workarounds

• Selective Multi-Tenancy: Focus multi-tenancy efforts on the most critical platform(s), such as deploying multiple web apps for different tenants within a single project. This approach may not suffice if robust presence across all platforms is essential for each tenant.

• Hybrid Architecture: Leverage a combination of Firebase and Google Cloud services (like Cloud Functions and App Engine) for the core backend logic and sophisticated tenant management. This method enhances scalability and flexibility but introduces greater complexity. For instance, Cloud Functions can manage tenant-specific operations, while Firebase Authentication handles user identity.

• Multiple Firebase Projects: Distribute tenants across several Firebase projects to circumvent the app limit. This strategy demands meticulous management to ensure seamless user experiences and consistent data handling across projects.

Important Considerations

• Cost: Implementing hybrid solutions or managing multiple projects typically incurs higher costs. Strategic planning and optimization are vital to control expenses.

• Complexity: Each proposed workaround adds layers of development and operational complexity. Effective system design and management practices are crucial to navigate these challenges.

• User Experience: Prioritize creating smooth user interactions, particularly when integrating components from different projects or backend systems. Consistency and reliability are key to maintaining user satisfaction.

When Firebase Multi-Tenancy Might Still Work

• Few Tenants: The app limit may be manageable with a small to moderate number of tenants, allowing for simpler multi-tenancy implementations.

• Internal Tools: For internal organizational tools, where the scope and scale are contained, Firebase's straightforward setup and ease of use offer significant advantages.

• Prototyping: In early development stages, Firebase's capabilities can expedite prototyping and initial growth phases. Future scalability considerations can be addressed as the application matures.

Despite the challenges posed by Firebase's app limit, strategic planning and a judicious mix of approaches can facilitate effective multi-tenant application development. Selecting the most suitable strategy requires balancing scalability needs, development resources, and the desired user experience, ensuring that the chosen path aligns with both immediate and long-term project goals.