# Deployment options

> Containers or a traditional Apache/Nginx install — what each involves and how to choose.

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://helpdesk.orangescrum.com/llms.txt).

Source: https://helpdesk.orangescrum.com/guide/self-hosted/install/deployment-options

---
Orangescrum Enterprise ships two supported deployment models. Both run the same
application; they differ in how you manage the runtime.

- **Docker (recommended)**: A `docker-compose.yml` and Dockerfiles are provided. You get a known-good PHP build, the reporting stack wired up, and a migration story that is mostly moving volumes.

- **Traditional**: PHP-FPM behind Apache or Nginx, PostgreSQL as a system service. Choose this when your organisation standardises on VMs and configuration management rather than containers.

## Choosing

**Pick Docker if…**

    You want the shortest path to a correct runtime, you plan to use the
    Advanced Dashboard (which needs Superset and its own database), or you
    expect to migrate between servers. The
    [backup and migration procedure](https://helpdesk.orangescrum.com/guide/self-hosted/operate/migration) is
    written for this model.

**Pick traditional if…**

    You have existing Apache/Nginx and PostgreSQL infrastructure, hardened OS
    images, or a policy against containers. Everything works — you just own more
    of the runtime.

**Can I mix them?**

    Yes. A common arrangement is the application in containers with PostgreSQL as
    an external managed database, so backups and failover are handled by your
    existing database tooling.

## What differs in practice

| | Docker | Traditional |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PHP version and extensions | In the image | You install and maintain them |
| PostgreSQL | Container or external | System service or external |
| Advanced Dashboard (Superset) | Included in the stack | Deployed separately by an admin |
| Upgrades | Pull images, run migrations | Pull code, `composer install`, build assets, run migrations |
| Backup | Volumes plus `pg_dump` | Filesystem plus `pg_dump` |
| Migration | Move volumes and secrets | Rsync files, restore database |

> **Superset is not optional for reporting**
>
> The OS Report / Advanced Dashboard module only appears once Superset is
> installed and connected to your Orangescrum data. On a traditional install an
> administrator has to deploy it; the container stack includes it.

## Version guidance

The two models have historically carried different documented floors:

| Component | Current prerequisites | Older traditional-install guidance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PostgreSQL | 16.10 or above | 12 or above |
| PHP | Bundled in image | 8.2 or above |

> **Deploy against the current prerequisites**
>
> Target **PostgreSQL 16.x** unless Orangescrum support specifies otherwise for
> your licence and version. The lower floor reflects older releases, not a
> recommendation for a new install. Full detail in
> [Prerequisites](https://helpdesk.orangescrum.com/guide/self-hosted/get-started/prerequisites).

## Before you install

**Meet the prerequisites**

    Hardware, OS, PostgreSQL and network. See
    [Prerequisites](https://helpdesk.orangescrum.com/guide/self-hosted/get-started/prerequisites).

**Point your domain at the server**

    The hostname is baked into generated links.

**Have your licence email ready**

    The installer validates it before it will proceed.

**Have SMTP details ready**

    Mail is configured during the install, not afterwards in the UI.

## The package

Exact commands, migration specifics and environment-tuned troubleshooting ship as
the **Installation & Upgrade Guide** included with your package. This section
covers the shape and the operational procedures; where the two disagree, your
package guide is authoritative for your version.

- [Run the installer](https://helpdesk.orangescrum.com/guide/self-hosted/install/installer): The guided browser wizard, step by step.

- [Configuration](https://helpdesk.orangescrum.com/guide/self-hosted/install/configuration): Domain, TLS, SMTP, firewall and secrets.