Deployment Methods

Understand the available CARTO Self-Hosted deployment methods

CARTO Self-Hosted can run on a variety of platforms using a set of Docker images. The available deployment methods vary in complexity and scalability. There is no better or preferred method; it depends on your needs.

This section presents each deployment method, helps you decide which one fits your team, and points you to the matching deployment guide.

• Choosing a deployment method — decide which method fits your team and infrastructure

• Single Virtual Machine deployment — the simplest method (Kots), ideal for evaluation and small-scale deployments

• Standard Orchestrated container deployment — UI-managed (Kots) production deployments on Kubernetes

• Advanced Orchestrated container deployment — fully customizable (Helm) production deployments on Kubernetes

Deployment methods at a glance

	Single Virtual Machine	Standard Orchestrated	Advanced Orchestrated
Complexity	Low	Medium	High
Scalability	Limited	High	High
Customization	Basic	Moderate	Full
Management UI	Admin Console	Admin Console	CLI only
Best for	Evaluation, small-scale	Production, UI-managed	Production, advanced

Managing Kubernetes: Kots and Helm

KOTS (Kubernetes Off-The-Shelf) and Helm are both tools for managing Kubernetes deployments, but they serve different purposes depending on ease of use and customization requirements:

• KOTS focuses on simplifying the deployment of pre-packaged Kubernetes applications, particularly for self-hosted environments. It includes features like built-in admin consoles, automated updates, and configuration management aimed at non-expert Kubernetes users. KOTS simplifies deploying CARTO Self-hosted by providing an Admin Console with key features such as:

  • Updates can be applied with a single click, streamlining maintenance.

  • Configuration changes are managed through a user-friendly UI with built-in versioning, ensuring easy tracking and rollbacks.

  • Support bundles can be generated instantly, simplifying troubleshooting.

  • Additionally, license synchronization is automated, reducing manual overhead and ensuring compliance effortlessly.

• Helm is a package manager for Kubernetes, allowing users to define, install, and upgrade applications using charts (pre-configured Kubernetes resources). It excels at templating and managing app lifecycles in a declarative manner. Helm provides full control over advanced customizations of the CARTO Self-hosted deployment, allowing users to tailor deployments beyond the options available in the KOTS UI, making it ideal for complex, highly specific configurations.