> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.protecto.ai/llms.txt).
> Use it to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Deployment Options

Protecto supports SaaS and on-premises deployments. Both expose identical APIs — the difference is where Protecto runs and who operates it.


Protecto supports two primary deployment models: **SaaS** and **On-Premises / Private Cloud**. Both expose the same API surface and behavior, so your application logic does not change regardless of which model you use.

## Comparison

| Dimension | SaaS | On-Premises / Private Cloud |
|-----------|------|---------------------------|
| Setup time | Minutes | Days to weeks |
| Infrastructure management | Protecto | Customer |
| Data residency | Region-based | Fully controlled |
| API behavior | Identical | Identical |
| Scaling | Automatic | Manual |
| Upgrade cadence | Automatic | Customer-controlled |
| Trial availability | Yes | No |

## Choosing a model

| If you need | Recommended option |
|-------------|------------------|
| Fastest time to value | SaaS |
| Zero infrastructure ops | SaaS |
| Strict data residency | On-Premises / Private Cloud |
| Air-gapped environments | On-Premises / Private Cloud |
| Custom security controls | On-Premises / Private Cloud |

<Columns cols="2">
  <Card title="SaaS Deployment" href="/deployment/saas" icon="cloud" horizontal={false}>
    Fully hosted by Protecto. Fastest setup, zero infrastructure overhead.
  </Card>
  <Card title="On-Premises Deployment" href="/deployment/on-premises" icon="server" horizontal={false}>
    Runs inside your infrastructure. Full data residency control.
  </Card>
</Columns>