> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.kombify.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Managed servers

> Preview: let kombify prepare a VPS with a partner provider and connect it as a Node

<Warning>
  Managed servers are preview scope. They are not a general-availability claim,
  and the option only appears as selectable when your kombify account has
  managed servers enabled. See [availability](/techstack/availability).
</Warning>

A managed server is the **kombify VPS** option under **I need a server** in the
Add Node wizard. kombify creates a virtual server with a partner provider,
prepares it, and connects it to your homelab. You do not rent the server or
run a command yourself.

## How a managed server works

1. In the Node step, choose **I need a server**, then **kombify VPS**.
   Techstack checks which providers your account can use. If none is enabled,
   the option stays unavailable and the wizard names what is missing. You can
   still connect your own device.
2. Review the server details the wizard shows: size (vCPU, RAM, disk),
   location, and provider.
3. Finish the wizard. kombify creates the server from an Ubuntu 24.04 image,
   connects it to your homelab, and then sets up the tools you selected.
   The progress page shows each step.

A managed server uses the [Cloud Kit](/stackkits/kits/cloud-kit) foundation.
Like every other Node, its services can be reached through your own domain or
a `*.kombify.me` address; see [kombify.me](/kombify-me/overview).

## Providers

Techstack currently lists two partner providers for managed servers:

* **IONOS**
* **centron**

Which of them you can choose depends on your account. When more than one is
enabled, open **Provider & server details** to pick one. When only one is
enabled, the wizard shows it as the provider for your server.

For IONOS, the server is created in an IONOS datacenter in Frankfurt,
Germany. The wizard shows the location in the server details. Choosing other
sizes or locations is not available in the wizard yet.

If you prefer to rent a server yourself, choose **Find a server with a
partner** instead. It links to the same providers. Once your server is ready,
connect it with the [pairing command](/techstack/pairing-command) or
[over SSH](/techstack/ssh-connection).

## Standard and Premium

A managed server comes in two sizes. The wizard shows which one applies as
**Your standard VPS** or **Your premium VPS**, together with its exact vCPU,
RAM, disk size, and location.

* **Standard** is the default size for a new managed server.
* **Premium** currently has more resources than Standard: more disk space
  with every provider, and on IONOS also more vCPU and RAM.

The exact size depends on the provider, so check the values the wizard shows
before you confirm. A managed Node added to an existing managed StackKit keeps
that StackKit's size.

## Availability

Managed servers are in preview. The option is selectable only when your
kombify account has managed server access and at least one provider enabled.
If Techstack cannot check your account right now, the wizard says so and
offers **Try again**. In every case you can add a server you own instead, with
the [pairing command](/techstack/pairing-command) or
[over SSH](/techstack/ssh-connection).

For the current public and preview boundaries of Techstack, see
[availability](/techstack/availability).