Deployment

Docker Compose

For simplicity, we provide a Docker Compose deployment option. This setup is quick to configure and suitable for production use in smaller environments. However, it is not as scalable as other solutions, like Kubernetes or serverless environments (e.g., Google Cloud Run). The Docker Compose configuration closely mirrors the Kubernetes setup, making it an excellent option for testing or small-scale deployments.

Kubernetes (Preferred)

Our preferred deployment method is Kubernetes, as it provides scalable, efficient operation with minimal effort. Its features, such as cost optimization and operational efficiency, align perfectly with running Bosca in larger environments. Additionally, our extensive experience with Kubernetes makes it ideal for scalable solutions.

Serverless (Early Stage)

Bosca can also be deployed in serverless environments, although certain components, such as specific data stores, may require specialized handling. Thanks to the use of technologies like Rust, AOT Mode for C#, and GraalVM Native Image for JVM, most Bosca services deliver fast startup times, efficient runtime performance, and low memory usage. These optimizations make serverless deployments an attractive long-term option for resource-efficient operation, especially for scaling cost-effectively.

Note: While many components are compatible with serverless setups, this deployment method is still in its early stages and hasn’t been extensively tested. We plan to focus more on this area in the future as other priorities are addressed.

Deployment Requirements

The hardware requirements for deploying Bosca depend on several factors, including your deployment environment, selected components, and expected workload. Key considerations include:

• Environment Type: Different deployment methods (e.g., Docker Compose, Kubernetes, serverless) will have varying hardware needs.
• Load and Scaling: Higher traffic and data volumes require more robust hardware to maintain performance.
• Caching Strategy: Leveraging a CDN and implementing an effective caching strategy can reduce hardware demands.
• Workflow Speed: The speed at which workflows need to be processed will impact your resource requirements.
• Redundancy and Failover: Enabling high availability (e.g., primary and secondary PostgreSQL for failover) or redundancy will increase resource utilization.
• Backup Frequency: Regular backups can impact your system's performance and overall resource usage. But, will also reduce your operational risks.
• Observability: Observability is very powerful in understanding the performance and health of your system, but it comes at a cost.

Deployment Cost and Scaling Considerations

Bosca is designed to operate efficiently, with the ability to run on a $6/month server in minimal configurations. However, this setup comes with limitations in scalability and available components. With a well-planned CDN strategy, such a minimal setup might be sufficient for smaller use cases. As your demand grows, you can seamlessly migrate to a more robust infrastructure by planning ahead.

Choosing a Cloud Provider

Selecting the right cloud provider is a critical decision that depends on your budget and growth expectations. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Budget Planning
  • Define both the upper and lower limits of your budget.
  • Factor in how quickly you might need to scale based on user growth.
  • Assess the expected traffic patterns—is your user base steady or spikey?
  • Determine an effective caching strategy to reduce costs and enhance performance.
• Provider Recommendations
  • For new and smaller-scale deployments, DigitalOcean is highly recommended for its straightforward pricing and affordable offerings.
  • As your operations grow, providers like Google Cloud or AWS offer competitive pricing, particularly if you can commit to multi-year agreements. These are great for long-term scaling but may not fit smaller budgets.

CDN Recommendations

An effective CDN strategy is critical to optimizing costs and improving system performance. Recommended options include:

• Cloudflare
  • Ideal for beginners, with a generous free tier and an affordable Pro plan.
  • Suitable for moderate traffic and bandwidth needs.
• Fastly
  • A strong alternative for businesses transitioning to higher-tier plans (e.g., Business or Enterprise).
• Cloud Provider CDNs
  • Many providers, like AWS, offer integrated CDN options for specific use cases.

For most deployments, Cloudflare is a great starting point due to its balance of cost-effectiveness and ease of use, especially for those just beginning or managing moderate workloads.

Start Small, Scale Smart

Starting with a smaller, cost-effective setup like DigitalOcean and a good CDN (e.g., Cloudflare) allows you to minimize expenses while maintaining flexibility. As your system’s needs grow, transitioning to larger-scale solutions becomes much easier when properly planned.

To accommodate a range of deployments, many Bosca components can be distributed across multiple providers and systems. While this approach may introduce some additional latency, it offers flexibility—allowing you to start on platforms like DigitalOcean and later migrating to AWS or Google Cloud with ease. You can even distribute infrastructure, such as keeping some services on DigitalOcean running components like the Bosca Server while Bosca Runners are operating within Google Cloud leveraging Vertex AI.

Your configuration will ultimately depend on your scaling needs, infrastructure and operational requirements, and cost optimization strategies.

Small Deployment

For very small deployments, like a blog, you can effectively run several of the Bosca components on a $12/mo DigitalOcean droplet. While it's possible to run on a $6/mo droplet, the extra 1GB of RAM will come in handy for things like search.

... more thoughts coming.