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Blnk Cloud requires a running Blnk Core instance to work. You can host your own Core instance or deploy a managed Core instance from Blnk. For managed instance, Blnk takes care of the deployment and maintenance of your Core instance, and automatically connects it to your Blnk Cloud workspace.

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Deployment types

Managed instances come in two types:
  • Sandbox: Shared infrastructure for small or low-risk workloads. No uptime or data-retention SLA.
  • Production: Dedicated infrastructure with high availability, backups, region selection, and dedicated support.
Here’s a quick comparison:

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Deploy a managed core instance

1

Create an instance on Cloud

  1. Click Deploy an instance from your homepage.
  2. Alternatively, go to Settings → Instances and click Deploy an instance.
Clicking Deploy an instance to open the instance creation form

Click Deploy an instance from your homepage, or from Settings → Instances

2

Choose your deployment type and deploy

Follow the steps for your preferred deployment type.
  1. Select Sandbox as your deployment type.
  2. Enter a descriptive name for your instance, e.g. “blnk-sandbox-staging”.
  3. Review the pricing summary.
  4. Click Deploy instance to start the deployment.
Instance creation form showing the Sandbox deployment type and pricing summary

Select Sandbox, name your instance, review pricing, and deploy

3

Wait for it to connect

Sandbox instances typically deploy within 7 - 10 minutes; Production instances can take up to 10 - 30 minutes.When it’s ready, the connection status updates to Connected. Click the instance from your homepage, or go to Settings → Instances and click it, to open the details panel.Use the details to get your Core URL and secret key for Core API requests.
Instance details panel showing instance details

Click an instance from the homepage or Settings → Instances to open its details panel

For Production, you’ll also be invited to a dedicated Slack channel. Check your email for the invite.

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Destroy an instance

Open the actions list and click Destroy instance. Follow the instructions in the modal to complete the action.
This action is irreversible.
Destroying a managed instance from the actions menu with the confirmation modal

Open the actions list and click Destroy instance

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FAQs

Sandbox typically takes 7 - 10 minutes. Production can take 10 - 30 minutes. When it’s ready, the connection status updates to Connected.
Yes. Sandbox is a deployment type, not a time-limited trial. Stay on it as long as shared infrastructure without an SLA meets your needs. See Deployment types.
No. Record volume does not require Production. When you reach your included allowance, opt into usage-based billing to keep creating records.Choose Production when you need dedicated infrastructure, high availability, backups, or support SLAs.
Yes. You can export a managed instance to your own infrastructure, or import from self-hosted Core into Cloud. See Migrate your instance.

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Need help?

We are very happy to help you make the most of Blnk, regardless of whether it is your first time or you are switching from another tool. To ask questions or discuss issues, please contact us or join our Discord community.