> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.carto.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.carto.com/carto-self-hosted/planning/deployment-methods/single-vm.md).
# Single Virtual Machine deployment
CARTO is deployed on a single virtual machine using an embedded Kubernetes cluster and Kots. This is the easiest and fastest method to get CARTO running.
## How it works
All CARTO services run on one VM inside an embedded cluster managed by Kots. The platform connects out to the external dependencies you provide: a PostgreSQL metadata database and object-storage buckets are always required, plus your data warehouse.
```mermaid
flowchart TB
subgraph VM["Single VM — embedded cluster + Kots"]
AC["Kots Admin Console (:8800)"]
SVC["CARTO services"]
CACHE[("Bundled in-memory cache")]
SVC --- CACHE
end
SVC --> PG[("External PostgreSQL — required")]
SVC --> OS[("Object storage buckets — required")]
SVC --> DW[("Data warehouse")]
```
Configuration and maintenance are handled through the Kots **Admin Console**, a web UI for applying updates, managing configuration with built-in versioning, and generating support bundles.
## When to use it
This method might be appropriate if you and your team:
* Are currently evaluating CARTO or deploying CARTO for the first time.
* Have less experience with Kubernetes or DevOps concepts.
* Need a lightweight, low-cost, and low-maintenance deployment method.
* Would like to deploy CARTO on a small-scale or single-server environment.
## Characteristics
| Aspect | Single Virtual Machine deployment (Kots) |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| Infrastructure | One VM running an embedded Kubernetes cluster |
| Configuration & maintenance | Kots Admin Console (web UI) |
| Scalability | Vertical only — not horizontally scalable |
| High availability | Not supported (single node) |
| Customization | Standard configuration options via the Admin Console |
| Best for | Evaluations, POCs, and small single-server environments |
## What you'll need
Review the [Prerequisites & Checklists](/carto-self-hosted/planning/prerequisites.md), in particular the [hardware & software requirements](/carto-self-hosted/planning/prerequisites/hardware-requirements.md), the external [metadata database](/carto-self-hosted/planning/prerequisites/metadata-database.md), and [object storage](/carto-self-hosted/planning/prerequisites/object-storage.md).
## Next steps
{% hint style="success" %}
Ready to deploy? Follow the [**Single Virtual Machine deployment guide**](/carto-self-hosted/deployment/single-vm-deployment.md), or try the [**Single VM quickstart**](/carto-self-hosted/quickstarts/quickstart-single-vm-kots.md) first.
{% endhint %}
---
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