How to Set Up Kanboard from Oikos OpenHub: Open-Source Kanban Project Management

Kanboard is a highly effective, open-source project management application that implements the Kanban methodology. It is designed for simplicity, allowing teams to visualize workflows, limit work-in-progress (WIP), and manage tasks efficiently through a clear, column-based interface.

Deploying Kanboard via the Oikos OpenHub Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) provides an instant, dedicated, and secure environment. Oikos handles the container hosting, PHP runtime, and networking, enabling teams to launch their visual workflow management system with minimal technical overhead.

1. Accessing the Oikos OpenHub Catalog#

Access the Oikos Console#

  • Visit: Navigate to the Oikos platform launchpad at https://launch.nife.io.
  • Log In: Use your registered Oikos credentials to access the primary application dashboard.

Navigate to OpenHub#

  • Locate: Find the OpenHub option in the left-hand navigation sidebar.
  • Selection: Click OpenHub to view the comprehensive catalog of deployable open-source applications.

Search for Kanboard#

  • Search Bar: Utilize the search functionality within the OpenHub interface and enter the term Kanboard.
  • Identify: Locate the Kanboard application card, which is pre-configured for deployment on the Oikos PaaS.

2. Configuring and Initiating Deployment#

Kanboard is typically resource-efficient, making deployment on Oikos highly streamlined.

Start Deployment and Configuration Review#

  • Action: Hover over the Kanboard tile and click the Deploy button. This transitions you to the configuration screen.

Review Deployment Settings#

  • App Name: Assign a unique name to your project management instance (e.g., dev-team-kanban).
  • Cloud Region: Select a Cloud Region closest to your team members for responsive task updates and board viewing.
  • Resource Allocation: Review the default CPU and RAM. Kanboard is a very lightweight application, and standard resource allocation is usually sufficient for most teams.

Database Configuration: Kanboard typically uses SQLite by default, managed internally by the container for maximum simplicity. For large teams or high data volume, consider configuring an external database (e.g., PostgreSQL or MySQL) using environment variables for better scalability and data persistence, though this is usually optional.

  • Finalization: Review all settings, confirm any required environment variables, and click Submit or the final Deploy button to commence the container launch process.

Monitor Deployment Status#

  • Process: Oikos provisions resources, pulls the Kanboard container image, and establishes a secure HTTPS network endpoint.
  • Completion: Wait for the status indicator to change to Running.

3. Accessing and Initializing Kanboard#

Wait for Completion and Launch#

  • Action: Once the status is Running, click the Open App button.
  • Result: This redirects you to the unique, secure URL of your deployed Kanboard instance, displaying the login screen.

Initial Login and Mandatory Security Update#

  • Default Credentials (Critical): Use the default administrator credentials:
    • Username: admin
    • Password: admin
  • Security Action: IMMEDIATELY after logging in for the first time, navigate to the user settings and change the default password. This is a mandatory security step to protect your project data and user accounts.
  • Start Workflow: Once secured, you can create your first projects, define your Kanban columns (e.g., Backlog, In Progress, Done), and start visualizing your team's workflow.

Core Benefits of Deploying Kanboard on Oikos#

Utilizing the Oikos PaaS for Kanboard provides an efficient, managed platform for visual workflow:

1. Visualization of Workflow (Kanban)#

Kanboard effectively implements the Kanban method, helping teams limit Work-in-Progress (WIP). The Oikos platform ensures the application is highly available, so teams always have access to their real-time workflow status.

2. Lightweight and High Performance#

As a PHP application designed for speed, Kanboard runs exceptionally well on the Oikos containerized infrastructure. This efficiency translates to a fast, responsive user interface, even for large projects.

3. Self-Hosted Data Control#

Deploying Kanboard via OpenHub means your project data, user information, and task history are hosted within your own secure Oikos deployment, guaranteeing data ownership and control compared to third-party SaaS solutions.

4. Zero Maintenance Overhead#

Oikos abstracts away the need to manage the web server (Nginx/Apache), PHP runtime, and container lifecycle. This allows project managers and teams to focus purely on productivity and task management, not infrastructure.

Official Documentation#

For detailed information on customizing columns, setting up recurring tasks, and using plugins:

Kanboard Documentation: https://docs.kanboard.org/