Linux servers, properly administered
Debian • Ubuntu Server • Azure • AWS • OVHcloud • Proxmox • Docker
We deploy, harden, and maintain Linux servers on the platform that fits — Azure, AWS, OVHcloud, or Proxmox — and manage what runs on top: web servers, databases, and containers.
UK businesses • Remote-first • Direct engineer access
Server administration and what runs on it
From the operating system up to the application, database, or containers it hosts.
Debian & Ubuntu Server
Deployment and administration of Debian 13 and Ubuntu Server on Azure, AWS EC2, OVHcloud (VM or dedicated server), and Proxmox.
Backup & Disaster Recovery
Backup management, including scripted database backups and VM snapshots.
Hardening
SSH key authentication, fail2ban, CrowdSec, firewall configuration, and AppArmor profiles, applied as part of every deployment. For remote access to servers via Tailscale, see Network Support.
PostgreSQL
Database deployment for your applications, secure database and user creation, and performance tuning.
Web Servers & WordPress
Nginx and Apache configuration, and WordPress deployment for sites that need to run on your own infrastructure.
Docker
Containerised application deployment, with container and port security handled through strict firewall rules.
How it works
Our structured approach to taking over or launching your Linux servers.
Audit & Review
We assess your current server infrastructure, performance bottlenecks, and security posture, or help you plan a brand-new deployment architecture from scratch.
Hardening & Deployment
We provision the servers, apply strict security baselines (firewalls, SSH keys, fail2ban), and cleanly deploy your web applications, Docker containers, and databases.
Proactive Management
We take over the day-to-day maintenance. This includes critical security patching, continuous performance monitoring, and managing automated backups to ensure high availability.
Tailored to your infrastructure needs
We partner with businesses under two predictable models, depending on whether you need a one-off server setup or continuous management and peace of mind.
Project-Based Deployments
A fixed upfront fee for a specific technical project — e.g., migrating a server to AWS, setting up new Docker environments, or hardening an existing machine.
Managed Server Support
A flat monthly fee per server for ongoing monitoring, OS patching, backup management, and priority troubleshooting if services go down.
Choosing a cloud platform, or migrating between them?
Platform comparison, migration planning, and ongoing management of Azure, AWS, and OVHcloud accounts sit on our Cloud Management page. This page covers the servers themselves, once they're running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Linux distributions do you support?
Debian 13 and Ubuntu Server, deployed on Azure, AWS EC2, OVHcloud (VM or dedicated server), or Proxmox. We also manage Windows Server on Azure where that's the better fit.
Do you deploy web applications and databases, or just manage the server?
Both. We handle server administration and hardening, plus deploying what runs on top: Nginx or Apache, WordPress, PostgreSQL databases, and Docker containers.
What happens in case of a server failure? Do you monitor them?
Yes. Under our Managed Support model, we monitor server uptime, CPU/RAM usage, and disk space. If a critical service (like Nginx or Docker) fails, we receive immediate alerts and begin troubleshooting to restore availability.
Can you migrate our website or application from our current hosting provider?
Yes. We handle end-to-end migrations from shared hosting environments or unmanaged VPS providers to your own dedicated cloud infrastructure on Azure, AWS, or OVHcloud, with minimal downtime.
Get your Linux servers properly managed
Deployment, hardening, and ongoing administration — handled by one point of contact.
Discuss Your ServerPrefer to talk directly? Call an IT engineer: +44 333 880 1344
Linux Server Support for UK Businesses
SmartOps IT provides Linux server administration for businesses across the United Kingdom, covering Debian and Ubuntu Server deployment on Azure, AWS, OVHcloud, and Proxmox, server hardening, PostgreSQL databases, Nginx and Apache web servers, WordPress deployment, and Docker. For platform selection and cloud migrations, see Cloud Management. This sits alongside our wider Managed IT services and cybersecurity work.