Container installation
This section describes how to install Canvus server using containers (Podman or Docker). This is the recommended method for new deployments.
The container deployment packages the Canvus server, web dashboard, and PostgreSQL database into two containers that can be deployed on any system running Podman or Docker.
Note
For existing bare-metal installations (using .deb or .exe installers), see install-server-linux or install-server-windows.
Why containers?
- Simplified deployment --- all dependencies are bundled in the images
- Consistent environment --- the same images work on Linux, Windows (via WSL2), and macOS
- Easy upgrades --- pull new images and restart
- Isolated --- no system-level package installations or service configuration
Why Podman?
Podman is recommended over Docker for enterprise deployments:
- 100% free --- no licensing restrictions (Docker Desktop requires paid subscriptions for organizations with more than 250 employees or more than \$10M annual revenue)
- Drop-in replacement --- same commands and compose files
- Rootless by default --- better security without a background daemon
The compose files work with Docker, but Podman avoids licensing risk.
Quick start
# 1. Install Podman
sudo apt install -y podman podman-compose
# 2. Login to registry
sudo podman login docker.multitaction.com -u canvus-deploy -p gldt-synTX_NnF8LcmnktR1xK
# 3. Download compose file
wget https://canvus-downloads.s3.amazonaws.com/server/podman-compose.yml
# 4. Start services
sudo podman-compose up -d
# 5. Open https://localhost and login