# Managed Hosting

Skip the setup entirely. Get a fully configured Crow instance hosted by [Maestro Press](https://maestro.press) — $15/mo or $120/yr.

## What's Included

- **Your own subdomain** — `username.crow.maestro.press`
- **Crow's Nest & blog** — Visual control panel and publishing platform, ready to go
- **All AI integrations** — Connect Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, Cursor, and more
- **Public blog & podcast** — Your blog and podcast RSS feeds are publicly accessible with HTTPS — ready for monetization, podcast directories (Apple Podcasts, Spotify), and subscribers
- **Daily backups** — Automatic daily backups of your data
- **SSL included** — HTTPS enabled by default
- **Automatic updates** — Always running the latest version of Crow
- **No bandwidth limits** — No throttling or fair-use caps on your public content

## How It Works

1. **Pick a username** — Choose your subdomain (e.g., `alice.crow.maestro.press`)
2. **Check out** — $15/mo or $120/yr (4 months free with annual)
3. **Visit your instance** — Your Crow's Nest is live immediately
4. **Connect your AI** — Use the `/setup` page to connect Claude, ChatGPT, or any supported platform

> **[Get started at maestro.press/hosting →](https://maestro.press/hosting/)**

## What Can I Do With It?

Everything a self-hosted Crow instance can do:

- **Persistent memory** — Your AI remembers across conversations and platforms
- **Project management** — Organize projects, manage sources, generate APA citations, connect data backends
- **Blog** — Publish posts with Markdown, RSS feeds, and custom themes
- **File storage** — Upload and manage files with presigned URLs
- **20+ integrations** — Gmail, GitHub, Slack, Notion, and more
- **Encrypted P2P sharing** — Share memories and research with other Crow users
- **Crow's Nest** — Visual control panel for messages, blog, files, and settings

## Managed vs. Self-Hosted

| | Managed Hosting | Self-Hosted (Free) |
|---|---|---|
| **Setup** | None — live in minutes | You deploy and configure |
| **Maintenance** | Automatic updates and backups | You manage updates |
| **Cost** | $15/mo or $120/yr | Free (Render, Oracle Cloud, Pi) |
| **Control** | Hosted by Maestro Press | Full control over your server |
| **Data** | Stored on Maestro Press infrastructure | Stored wherever you choose |
| **Public blog/podcast** | Ready to go, no extra setup | Requires reverse proxy + domain |
| **2FA** | Mandatory (TOTP) | Optional |
| **Password reset** | Email-based | CLI (`npm run reset-password`) |
| **Best for** | Users who want Crow without the ops work | Developers and tinkerers |

Both options give you the same Crow features. Self-hosting is free and gives you full control. Managed hosting trades a small monthly cost for zero maintenance.

::: tip Hybrid setup
Managed hosting can be chained with a self-hosted instance for the best of both worlds — always-on cloud access plus a home server for heavy processing and data storage. See [Multi-Device Quick Start](./multi-device) to set it up.
:::

## Security

Managed hosting includes additional security features that are automatically enabled:

### Two-Factor Authentication (Required)

On your first login, you'll be asked to set up two-factor authentication (2FA) using an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy.

1. Scan the QR code with your authenticator app
2. Enter the 6-digit code to verify
3. Save your 8 recovery codes in a safe place — they won't be shown again

2FA is **mandatory** for managed hosting and cannot be disabled. You can optionally trust a device for 30 days to skip the code on future logins. Manage your 2FA settings (regenerate codes, revoke trusted devices) in **Settings → Two-Factor Auth**.

### Password Reset

If you forget your password, click **"Forgot password?"** on the login page. A reset link will be sent to the email address on your account (the one used during signup). The link expires after 1 hour.

### Account Lockout

After 5 failed login attempts, your account is locked for 15 minutes. When this happens:
- You'll receive an email alert with the source IP address
- The lockout screen shows a link to reset your password and contact support at **support@maestro.press**

For the full security model, see the [Security Guide](https://github.com/kh0pper/crow/blob/main/SECURITY.md).

## FAQ

**Can I migrate to self-hosting later?**
Yes. Your data can be exported and moved to a self-hosted instance at any time.

**Can I use my own domain?**
Custom domains are on the roadmap. For now, you get `username.crow.maestro.press`.

**Is my data private?**
Yes. Each managed instance has its own isolated database. Maestro Press does not access your data. See the [Security Guide](https://github.com/kh0pper/crow/blob/main/SECURITY.md) for details.

**Can I monetize my blog or podcast?**
Yes. Managed hosting includes public HTTPS URLs for your blog and podcast feeds — suitable for ad-supported content, paid subscriptions, and podcast directory submission. Self-hosted users can do this too, but need to set up a reverse proxy and custom domain (Tailscale Funnel is for personal/hobby use only).

**What are the terms of service?**
See the [Managed Hosting Terms of Service](/legal/managed-hosting-terms).
