> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.duplocloud.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.duplocloud.com/docs/extension-framework/building-an-ops-app/step-5-deploy.md). # Step 5: Deploy After completing Steps 1–4, your application is defined and your users are onboarded. Step 5 is choosing how the platform runs. There are two options: hosted by DuploCloud or self-hosted in your own infrastructure. The application and its capabilities are identical in both cases — the difference is where it runs and who operates it. ## Hosted by DuploCloud DuploCloud handles deployment, scaling, operations, uptime, and security. Your application runs in DuploCloud's cloud. You define resources, write skills, and serve your users — DuploCloud manages everything underneath. This is the default path and the one that enables a true product-led growth motion: sign up, define your domain, and ship a working application without touching infrastructure. It is well-suited for getting started quickly, for non-sensitive domains, and for scenarios where you want to demonstrate value to stakeholders before a formal procurement conversation. ## Self-Hosted Download a Kubernetes manifest with Docker images and run the entire platform in your own infrastructure. Same application, same capabilities, full control over the environment. You are responsible for deployment, scaling, and operations. Self-hosted is the right choice when your application operates on production infrastructure with privileged credentials — DevOps and SecOps platforms in particular. It is also the right choice for regulated industries with data residency requirements and for organizations whose security policies prohibit sending operational context outside their network boundary. ## Choosing Between Options Start with hosted to validate your application. Define your policy model, write your skills, onboard a pilot team, and confirm that the application delivers value in your domain. If your security requirements ultimately demand that the platform run within your own boundary, migrating to self-hosted is a configuration change — the application definition, skills, and resource data move with you. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.duplocloud.com/docs/extension-framework/building-an-ops-app/step-5-deploy.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.