This document helps you choose the right deployment option for your use case.
| Use Case | Deployment Option | Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Production server (e.g., hedtools.ucsd.edu) | Production Docker | deploy/README.md |
| Cloud hosting (Render, Railway, Fly.io) | Production Docker | deploy/README.md |
| Local development | Claude Platform on AWS + Local Python | README.md |
All deployments use Anthropic Claude large language models (LLMs) served via the Claude Platform on Amazon Web Services (AWS),
an Anthropic-operated Messages API billed through the AWS Marketplace (not Amazon Bedrock).
See docs/deployment/claude-platform-aws.md for credential setup.
Local Ollama-based inference is no longer supported.
Best for:
- Production servers (like hedtools.ucsd.edu)
- Cloud hosting platforms
- Public-facing deployments
Features:
- No graphics processing unit (GPU) required (uses the Claude Platform on AWS)
- Optimized 806MB Docker image
- API key authentication and audit logging
- CI/CD with GitHub Actions
- Auto-deployment with hourly updates
- Cloudflare Worker proxy (optional caching)
- OWASP Top 10 compliant security
Setup:
# See complete guide:
cat deploy/README.md
# Quick start:
python scripts/generate_api_key.py
./deploy/deploy.sh prodDocumentation:
- Main Guide:
deploy/README.md- Complete deployment documentation - Security:
deploy/SECURITY.md- Audit-ready security guide - Architecture:
deploy/DEPLOYMENT_ARCHITECTURE.md- CORS and reverse proxy setup - LLM Setup:
docs/deployment/claude-platform-aws.md- Claude Platform on AWS credentials
Cost:
- Server hosting: FREE (use existing server) or $5-25/month (cloud)
- LLM API (Claude Platform on AWS): usage-based, billed through your AWS account
- Total: hosting cost plus AWS Marketplace LLM usage
Best for:
- Quick testing and development
- Laptop/desktop development (no GPU needed)
- Testing against the Claude Platform on AWS
Features:
- No Docker required
- Fast iteration (no container rebuilds)
- Uses the Claude Platform on AWS (cloud LLM)
Setup:
See main README.md
and docs/deployment/claude-platform-aws.md
for the required ANTHROPIC_API_KEY, ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL, and ANTHROPIC_WORKSPACE_ID variables.
Cost:
- LLM API (Claude Platform on AWS): pay-per-use through your AWS account
| Feature | Production Deploy | Local Dev |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Required | No | No |
| LLM Provider | Claude Platform on AWS | Claude Platform on AWS |
| Docker | Single container | Optional |
| Public Access | Yes | Local only |
| Security | Full (API keys, audit) | Basic |
| Auto-Updates | Yes (CI/CD) | Manual |
| Setup Time | 15-30 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
| Best For | Production | Quick development |
# 1. Deploy (credentials carry over from your .env)
./deploy/deploy.sh prod
# 2. Add security configuration
python scripts/generate_api_key.py
# Add API_KEYS to .env# 1. Update .env to use the Claude Platform on AWS
LLM_PROVIDER=anthropic
ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=your-key-here
ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL=https://aws-external-anthropic.us-east-2.api.aws
ANTHROPIC_WORKSPACE_ID=wrkspc_your_workspace_id
# 2. Remove obsolete variables
# OPENROUTER_API_KEY, LLM_PROVIDER_PREFERENCE, and the *_PROVIDER
# variables are no longer read; legacy LLM_PROVIDER values
# (openrouter, ollama) are coerced to anthropic with a warning.
# 3. Redeploy
./deploy/deploy.sh prod- Production Deployment: See
deploy/README.md - Local Development: See README.md
- LLM Credentials: See
docs/deployment/claude-platform-aws.md - Security Questions: See
deploy/SECURITY.md - Issues: https://github.com/Annotation-Garden/HEDit/issues
Last Updated: August 18, 2026