Creating a server

Overview

SharkCluster allows you to create and configure cloud servers by selecting a cloud provider, server specifications, deployment region, application technology, and other configuration options. You can deploy a new application, connect an existing Git repository, or upload your application source code as a ZIP file.

This guide explains how to select a server plan, configure your application, set up SSH access, configure automated backups, enable server monitoring, and submit a server creation request.

Prerequisites

Before creating a server, make sure you have:

• An active SharkCluster account.
• Access to the Servers section.
• An application or technology selected for deployment.
• An SSH key, or the option to generate or add a public key.
• Git repository details or a ZIP archive if you are deploying an existing application.

Step 1: Open the Server Creation Page

1. 1Log in to your SharkCluster account.
2. 2Navigate to Servers from the left sidebar.
3. 3Open the server creation interface.
4. 4Review the available configuration options.

The server creation process begins with selecting your server resources and a suitable cloud plan. After choosing a plan, you can configure the application and server settings.

Step 2: Configure Server Resources

Select RAM

Use the RAM slider to choose the memory capacity required by your application. Available options depend on the platform's current configuration.

Consider your application's expected traffic, concurrent processes, caching requirements, and database workload when selecting RAM.

Advanced vCPU Options

Enable Advanced vCPU Options if you need access to additional CPU configuration choices. The available options depend on the selected provider and plan.

Select a Provider Preference

Choose a provider to filter the available server plans.

• All Providers: Compare matching plans across supported providers.
• DigitalOcean: Browse available DigitalOcean plans and regions.
• Contabo: Browse available Contabo plans and regions.
• OVHcloud: Browse available OVHcloud plans and regions.

The available plans depend on your selected resources, region, and other preferences.

Select a Storage Type

Choose the storage type that matches your workload.

• All Storage: Display plans across the available storage types.
• Standard SSD: Suitable for general-purpose applications and workloads.
• Premium NVMe: Suitable for workloads that benefit from high storage performance, such as database-heavy applications.

Choose a Latency and Region Preference

SharkCluster provides two workload preferences:

• Website / App: Select this option for customer-facing applications where latency and proximity to end users are important.
• Backend / Batch / Backup: Select this option for background processing, batch jobs, and backup workloads where end-user latency is less critical.

Choose the preference that best matches your workload and review the available deployment regions.

Step 3: Compare and Select a Server Plan

After configuring your resource and provider preferences, SharkCluster displays matching server plans.

Each plan may include the provider, region, vCPU, RAM, storage capacity, storage type, bandwidth, and monthly price.

Review the recommended plans and the additional matching plans in the comparison table. Compare their specifications, available regions, and prices before selecting a suitable option.

You can use the region selector to change the deployment location when supported.

Important: Promotional pricing may apply only for a specified period. Review the displayed pricing and billing terms before proceeding.

Once you have selected your preferred plan, continue to the application and server configuration page.

Step 4: Enter Application and Server Details

On the Application & Server Details page, enter the required information.

Server Name

Enter a descriptive name to identify your server in SharkCluster. For example, you could use production-server, staging-server, or backend-server.

Application Name

Enter a name for the application that will be deployed on the server. Choose a name that helps you identify the application later.

Select the Application Technology

Choose the application technology or template you want to deploy.

SharkCluster organizes its available templates into the following categories:

• Frameworks & Languages: Laravel, MERN, Core PHP, Node App, React App, Python, and other supported technologies.
• CMS & E-commerce: Supported content management systems and e-commerce applications.
• Business Apps: Supported business application templates.
• AI Agents: Supported AI-related application templates.
• Migration: Available application migration options.
• Quick Start: Supported quick-start deployment templates.

Select the template that matches your project. The additional configuration fields may change depending on the selected technology.

Step 5: Configure Application Settings

Application-specific settings appear after you select a technology.

Select the PHP Version

For PHP-based applications, choose a PHP version compatible with your application and its dependencies.

The interface may display versions such as PHP 8.5, 8.4, 8.3, 8.2, 8.1, 8.0, and 7.4. The available options depend on the selected application template and current platform configuration.

Choose the appropriate version based on your application's requirements. Avoid selecting a version solely because it is the newest available option.

Select the Database

Choose the database engine required by your application.

• MySQL: A relational database commonly used for websites and web applications.
• PostgreSQL: A relational database suitable for applications requiring PostgreSQL features.
• MongoDB: A document-oriented database.
• MariaDB: A relational database used by many web applications.

Select the database that matches your application's requirements. The available choices and additional configuration fields may vary by application template.

Choose the Application Setup Method

For supported application templates, SharkCluster provides the following deployment methods.

Fresh Installation

Choose this option to start with a new installation of the selected application.

Deploy from Git Repo

Choose this option to deploy an existing application from a Git repository. Provide the repository information requested by the interface and ensure that the deployment process has access to the repository.

Upload ZIP

Choose this option to upload an existing application as a ZIP archive. Ensure the archive contains the required application files and directory structure.

The available methods and additional fields depend on the selected application template.

Step 6: Select the Ubuntu Version

Choose a supported Ubuntu version for your server. The available options shown in the interface may include Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS, 24.04.5 LTS, 22.04.5 LTS, 20.04.6 LTS, and 18.04.6 LTS.

Select an operating system compatible with your application, dependencies, and required software packages. Also consider the operating system's support lifecycle and security update availability.

Step 7: Select a Web Server

Choose the web server you want to use for your application.

• NGINX: A web server and reverse proxy commonly used for modern web applications.
• Apache: A web server widely used for PHP applications and configurable hosting environments.

Select the option that best matches your application's deployment requirements.

Step 8: Configure SSH Authentication

SSH keys allow you to authenticate securely when connecting to your server.

Under Select a SSH key, choose one of the available options:

• Server Key: Select an existing SSH key available in your account.
• Generate New Key: Generate a new SSH key by following the interface instructions.
• Add Public Key: Register the public key from an existing SSH key pair.

After selecting an option, complete the required steps and verify that the correct key is configured.

Security recommendation: Never share your private SSH key. Only the public key should be registered with the platform. Keep the corresponding private key stored securely.

Step 9: Configure Automated Backups

SharkCluster provides an Automatic Backup of Applications option for supported applications.

When enabled, the configured default backup schedule applies to supported current and future applications on the server. Individual application schedules may be customized or disabled where supported.

Select a Backup PlanThe interface provides the following backup options:

The interface provides the following backup options:

Choose the schedule that best fits your recovery requirements and application update frequency.

Configure the Backup Schedule

Use the available scheduling controls to select the hour, minute, AM/PM period, and day of the week where applicable.

For example, you can configure weekly backups for Monday at 2:00 AM.

Review the selected backup plan and any applicable charges before continuing. Confirm the actual backup schedule, retention, and availability from the live interface.

Step 10: Configure Server Monitoring

SharkCluster provides server monitoring powered by InfraCaptain.

Monitoring helps you track server health and resource utilization, including CPU usage, RAM utilization, disk usage, and uptime. The service also provides alerts to help identify potential issues.

To enable monitoring:

1. 1Locate the Server Monitoring section.
2. 2Review the service description and displayed price.
3. 3Click Enable if you want to activate monitoring.
4. 4Confirm the applicable charge in the summary panel.

Enable monitoring if you want additional visibility into server performance and availability.

Step 11: Review the Server Summary

Before submitting your request, review the Summary panel on the right side of the page.

Check the following details:

• Server Details: Confirm the server configuration, provider, storage, RAM, CPU, and deployment region.
• Application Details: Verify the application name, selected technology, and displayed web server.
• Server Price: Review the monthly price and any applicable introductory pricing period.
• Automated Backups: Confirm the displayed backup charge and selected schedule.
• Total Today: Review the total amount displayed before submitting your request.

Ensure the selected configuration meets your requirements and that the pricing is correct.

Accept the Terms and Conditions

Read the applicable Terms & Conditions and Pricing & Additional Charges information. Select the required confirmation checkbox before submitting the request.

Step 12: Submit the Server Creation Request

After reviewing your configuration, follow these steps:

1. 1Verify the server and application names.
2. 2Confirm the provider, server plan, and deployment region.
3. 3Review the application technology and deployment method.
4. 4Confirm the operating system, database, and web server where applicable.
5. 5Verify your SSH key selection.
6. 6Review backup and monitoring settings.
7. 7Check the pricing summary and accept the required terms.
8. 8Click Request Server.

SharkCluster will process your request according to the selected configuration and provisioning workflow.

Wait for the platform to report the request status. Provisioning and application installation may take some time, depending on the selected provider and deployment configuration.

Step 13: Verify Your Server

After submitting your request, navigate to Servers and locate the newly requested server.

Verify that provisioning has completed successfully and that the server specifications match your selected plan. Check the application deployment status and confirm that the selected web server and SSH configuration are working as expected.

If automated backups or monitoring were enabled, verify that those services have been configured correctly.

For application deployments, test the configured URL or endpoint where applicable to confirm that the application is accessible.

Troubleshooting

If an issue persists, contact SharkCluster support and provide the relevant server details and error information.

Best Practices

• Choose server resources according to your application's expected workload.
• Select a deployment region based on user location, latency, and availability.
• Verify software and dependency compatibility before choosing application versions.
• Store SSH private keys securely.
• Enable automated backups when recovery protection is required.
• Consider enabling monitoring to track server health and resource utilization.
• Review pricing and billing terms before submitting your request.
• Verify server access and application functionality after provisioning.

Conclusion

Creating a server in SharkCluster involves selecting a cloud plan, configuring the application and operating system, setting up SSH access, and reviewing optional backup and monitoring services.

Follow this guide to configure your server and submit a server creation request. Once provisioning is complete, verify the server status, application deployment, access configuration, and enabled services before using the server in production.