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Choosing a hosting platform

Choosing a hosting platform

Overview

When starting a new service, one of the first decisions is where to host it. The Ministry of Justice offers two main hosting platforms:

Use Cloud Platform if your application:

  • Can be containerised (Docker)
  • Is stateless and follows 12-factor app principles
  • Needs Kubernetes features (auto-scaling, zero-downtime deploys)
  • Does not require PSN connectivity

Modernisation Platform

Use Modernisation Platform if your application:

  • Cannot be containerised
  • Needs EC2 instances or non-Kubernetes infrastructure
  • Requires PSN connectivity
  • Is a legacy application being migrated

Decision tree

  1. Can your app run in a container?
    If yes, use Cloud Platform.
  2. Does it need PSN?
    If yes, use Modernisation Platform.
  3. Is it a legacy app?
    Consider Modernisation Platform for initial hosting, with a plan to migrate to Cloud Platform.

Getting started

  • /docs/cloud-platform
  • /docs/modernisation-platform
Last reviewed: 1 February 2026Review status: ✓ Up to dateOwner: Cloud Platform team

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