Self-Hosting

Self-hosting is the practice of installing and running software on your own servers or infrastructure instead of relying on a vendor’s cloud. In Activepieces, self-hosting is possible through its open-source model, allowing organizations to deploy the automation platform with Docker and maintain full control over their environment.

What Is Self-Hosting?

Self-hosting means that a company or individual manages the installation, configuration, and maintenance of a software application. Instead of signing into a provider’s hosted platform, users download the software and run it on their own infrastructure, whether on-premises or in private cloud environments.

The concept of self-hosting has existed for decades in the world of IT. Before the rise of cloud computing, most organizations ran their business software on local servers. With cloud services becoming the norm, many companies moved toward software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions.

However, self-hosting remains popular among businesses that require greater customization, compliance, or security.

In Activepieces, self-hosting is enabled by its open-source nature. The platform is available under the MIT license, and organizations can deploy it using Docker. This means they get all the benefits of the automation platform while keeping full control over their data, configuration, and infrastructure.

How Does Self-Hosting Work?

Self-hosting works by giving users access to the core application files and allowing them to run the software independently. In Activepieces, the process usually follows these steps:

• Download or clone the source code: Since Activepieces is open source, organizations can freely access the software codebase.
• Set up Docker environment: Docker provides a containerized environment, making deployment simpler and more consistent across different systems.
• Configure the system: Admins set up authentication, domain names, and integrations according to organizational needs.
• Run the platform: Once deployed, Activepieces runs entirely within the organization’s infrastructure, with flows, pieces, and data stored locally or in private cloud instances.
• Maintain and update: Organizations handle their own upgrades, patches, and scaling, choosing when and how to update the platform.

This process ensures that the software operates independently of the vendor’s infrastructure.

Why Is Self-Hosting Important?

Self-hosting is important because it provides control and flexibility. While cloud SaaS solutions are convenient, they may not fit every organization’s requirements. Self-hosting offers benefits such as:

• Data control: Sensitive information stays within the organization’s infrastructure, reducing reliance on third-party servers.
• Customization: Companies can modify the platform’s configuration or even extend its codebase to suit unique needs.
• Security: By hosting software in a private environment, organizations can enforce their own security policies and compliance standards.
• Independence: Self-hosting prevents vendor lock-in, allowing businesses to decide how long to run and maintain their version of the software.
• Cost flexibility: For some teams, hosting their own infrastructure can be more cost-efficient than ongoing SaaS fees.

In Activepieces, self-hosting is especially relevant for enterprises, government agencies, or privacy-conscious startups that want automation without relying on an external cloud environment.

Common Use Cases

Self-hosting is applied in various scenarios where autonomy and control are priorities. Examples include:

• Enterprises with compliance needs: Large organizations in regulated industries, like healthcare or finance, use self-hosting to make sure sensitive data stays within controlled infrastructure.
• Agencies offering client services: Agencies may self-host Activepieces to create branded automation environments for clients while retaining ownership of the platform.
• Privacy-focused startups: Companies that prioritize user privacy self-host the platform to reassure customers that their data is never shared with third parties.
• Internal IT teams: Organizations with in-house technical teams self-host to customize Activepieces for internal systems and unique workflows.
• Developers and innovators: Technical users self-host to experiment, contribute to the open-source project, and build custom pieces.

In all these scenarios, self-hosting ensures organizations can harness automation while staying in control.

FAQs About Self-Hosting

What does self-hosting mean in software?

Self-hosting means running software on your own servers instead of using the provider’s hosted cloud environment. It allows users to control their infrastructure, data, and updates directly.

What are the benefits of self-hosting Activepieces?

Self-hosting Activepieces gives organizations full control over data privacy, compliance, and customization. By deploying the open-source platform with Docker, companies can tailor the environment to their exact requirements.

Is self-hosting more secure than cloud hosting?

Self-hosting can be more secure if managed properly, as organizations apply their own security policies. However, it requires technical expertise to ensure updates, patches, and monitoring are consistently handled.

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