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This decision is about the relationship you want with the stack after the first install. StackKits can be used as a direct deployment baseline or as part of a guided kombify Cloud workflow. The right choice depends on whether the installation is the finish line or the beginning of an operating model.

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What this guide helps you decide

  • whether the user wants a one-time deployment or an ongoing workspace
  • whether future changes should be guided or manual
  • whether the draft spec should preserve richer intent for later
  • how much responsibility should move into kombify Cloud

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Install only

Choose install-only when you want StackKits to create a working baseline and then operate it yourself. This fits when:
  • you are comfortable with CLI workflows
  • you want local ownership over changes
  • you do not need ongoing guided recommendations
  • you prefer to inspect generated files directly
Decision signal: install-only works when the user wants ownership of the workflow and understands that future changes are their responsibility.

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Managed with kombify Cloud

Choose kombify Cloud management when you want the intent, target state, and future changes to stay visible in one place. This fits when:
  • you want guided recommendations
  • you want to revisit decisions later
  • you want status and change history in the dashboard
  • you expect to add services, nodes, or custom domains over time
Decision signal: managed mode works when the user wants the reasoning, status, and next changes to stay visible after the first deployment.

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Decide later

If you are still discovering your needs, choose “decide later.” The finder can still capture intent and generate a first spec without forcing the operating model.

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Decision table

NeedInstall onlyManaged with kombify Cloud
Fast first deploymentGoodGood
Ongoing recommendationsManualGuided
Future changesCLI/spec workflowDashboard-assisted workflow
Good for beginnersPossibleBetter
Good for advanced usersStrongStrong when multiple environments exist

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How this maps to the finder

The finder uses the operating model to decide how detailed the resulting spec should be:
  • install-only keeps the recommendation close to the selected kit
  • managed mode preserves more intent for future changes
  • decide-later avoids locking the user into a workflow too early