How to get started
My Own Suite can run in different places depending on how hands-on you want to be.
You do not need to think about infrastructure first. Start by choosing the option that sounds most like you.
Which option fits you?
Easiest
You want the simplest setup and do not mind using a hosted platform.
Recommended choice: Deploy on Railway
Why people choose this:
- Very little manual setup
- Fastest path to a working suite
- No IT skills required
- Best fit for non-technical users or anyone who wants to try the project quickly
Tradeoff:
- It runs on a managed platform operated by a company, so pricing and platform rules are outside your control.
More independent
You want more control over where the suite runs and you are okay following a technical setup guide.
Recommended choice: Deploy on a VPS
Why people choose this:
- You can choose your server provider
- You are not locked to one managed platform
- It is a better long-term fit if you want hosting freedom
Tradeoff:
- Setup is more manual, and the guide assumes some comfort with Docker and server administration.
Fully self-hosted
You want the suite on your own hardware and you are comfortable taking responsibility for networking, maintenance, and security.
Recommended choice: Deploy on your own hardware
Why people choose this:
- Maximum control over where your data and services live
- Potentially low recurring cost if you already own suitable hardware
- Best fit for advanced users and homelab setups
- A strong fit if you want to stay as off-grid as possible
Tradeoff:
- This is the most advanced option and has the highest operational responsibility.
- The self-host path is now being shaped around
Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTSand a dedicated local-network domain model, but it still builds on the current Docker Compose stack underneath.
Recommendation
- Start with Railway if you want the easiest experience.
- Choose a VPS if you want more control and hosting freedom.
- Choose your own hardware if you already know you want full infrastructure ownership.
If you are mainly curious and want the smoothest first experience, Railway is the best place to begin.