How to Deploy Virola Server Using a DigitalOcean 1-Click Droplet

In an era where data privacy is no longer optional, self-hosting has become the gold standard for secure enterprise collaboration. While public cloud messengers offer convenience, they often come at the cost of data ownership and unpredictable third-party security vulnerabilities.

Virola Messenger bridges this gap by providing a high-performance, feature-rich collaboration environment with voice and video meetings, an integrated Kanban board, and visual team presence, all while staying entirely within your control.

By deploying Virola on a DigitalOcean Droplet (virtual machine), you combine the agility of modern cloud infrastructure with the security of a private server.

There are two ways to deploy Virola Server on a DigitalOcean Droplet:

• Manual installation via the Droplet console
• Automated 1-Click deployment using the Virola Messenger Marketplace App

This guide walks you through setting up Virola Server using a 1-Click Droplet. The Marketplace App automatically deploys a preconfigured Virola Server, allowing you to start your own private chat server on DigitalOcean within minutes. No manual installation is required - you only need to choose your Droplet's hardware configuration from the options provided by DigitalOcean.

Deploying Virola Server

To start your Virola Server using a 1-Click Droplet, follow these steps:

1. Login to your DigitalOcean account
2. Open the Virola Messenger App on the DigitalOcean Marketplace and click "Create Virola Messenger Droplet" or start the deployment immediately by clicking this link
3. Choose the parameters for the Droplet that will host your Virola Server. We recommend starting with a basic configuration and upgrading later if needed:
   • Region – choose the region closest to you and your team
   • Droplet Type – Basic
   • CPU Options – Regular
   • Authentication Method – password (easier) or SSH key (more secure)
4. Click "Create Droplet"

A new Droplet with Virola Server will appear in your DigitalOcean dashboard. It may take up to one minute for the Droplet to complete automatic configuration and generate your unique Virola Server administrator password.

Accessing Virola Server

Virola Server does not provide a web UI. All setup is done using the Virola Client app. To continue, you'll need to install Virola Client on your computer or mobile device:

1. Download and install Virola Client for your operating system
2. Launch the app and log in using the following credentials:
   • Server Host – your Droplet's public IP address
   • Server Port – 7777
   • Username – admin
   • Password – your unique Virola Server administrator password stored in /root/virola-admin-password

Retrieving the Administrator Password

1. Open your Droplet console via More → Access Console, then click "Launch Console"
2. Once the console is connected, run the following command:

   nano virola-admin-password

3. Copy the password and paste it to the Virola Client login form. Press Ctrl+X to exit the Nano editor

That's it! Your private chat server is up and running, and you are logged in as the administrator. You will see several sample chats in your Virola Client. Use them to explore the application and delete them when they are no longer needed.

Next Steps

Configure your team and workspace in Virola by following our detailed tutorials.

If you need assistance deploying your Virola Messenger Droplet, let us know via our 24/7 support chat or email. We're happy to help.