Skip to main content
This guide describes the installation of VARIOS AI on your own Linux server. VARIOS AI runs as a Docker Compose installation; you receive the installation files docker-compose.yml, .env, varios.sh and update_version from the VARIOS AI team. Check the system requirements beforehand.
Allow half a working day for the technical installation. Most of the time goes into coordination with the DNS, firewall and identity teams, so plan this in advance.

​
Installation

1

Prepare the server

Install the current updates of your distribution, enable time synchronization and set up the firewall according to the system requirements. A correct clock is mandatory for sign-in and certificates.
2

Install Docker

Install Docker Engine and Docker Compose v2 following your distribution’s instructions or with the official script, and enable autostart.
3

Create the installation directory

Create a directory, for example /docker/variosai, and copy the four installation files into it. The database, files and backups will later be created in this directory as well, so include it in your backups.
4

Adjust .env

The delivered .env contains defaults. Adjust at least these values:
The .env contains passwords and secrets. Do not share it and include it in every backup.
5

Decide on HTTPS

By default, VARIOS AI obtains the certificate automatically from Let’s Encrypt. For this, PROJECT_DOMAIN must point to the server and ports 80 and 443 must be reachable from the internet. No further preparation is needed; the certificate files are created automatically on first start.To use your own certificate instead, follow Configuring a Custom HTTPS Certificate. For a reverse proxy of your company in front of VARIOS AI, please contact support.
6

Log in to the container registry

You receive the credentials from the VARIOS AI team. The login is stored on the server and must be repeated after moving to a new server.
7

Start the services

The first start downloads all images and takes a few minutes. Afterwards, all services should be listed as running or healthy.
8

Set up the database

The script creates the database, loads the template library and prepares the application. The first run can take 15 to 60 minutes; do not abort it. It also checks whether the processor supports AVX2.
Afterwards, VARIOS AI is reachable at https://<PROJECT_DOMAIN>.
9

Sign in and enter the license

Sign in with an account that carries the role from SUPERADMIN_GROUP_NAME in the identity provider. Enter the license key from the VARIOS AI team under Administration → Settings → System Information.
10

Set up the update helper

varios.sh performs the updates you trigger in the interface. Set it up as a systemd service so that it keeps running after a reboot, see systemd Service.
After each update, the update helper removes unused Docker images and volumes of the entire server. Do not run other Docker applications on the same server.

​
Updates

Trigger updates under Administration → Settings → System Information. There you see whether a new version is available and choose the target version; the update helper varios.sh performs the update. Plan a maintenance window for this; VARIOS AI is unavailable for a few minutes during the update. Take a snapshot or backup before every update, see Backup and Restore.

​
Checks after installation

  • https://<PROJECT_DOMAIN> opens without a certificate warning.
  • Sign-in works with a regular account and with an administrator account; the Administration menu is visible.
  • License key entered, no license message.
  • A test chat is answered.
  • The update helper runs as a systemd service, daily database backups appear under PostgresBackups.

​
Troubleshooting