With the growing popularity of cloud-based management solutions, many businesses are choosing to deploy Dolibarr on a cloud server to benefit from easy access, increased scalability, and centralized management. However, setting up an ERP like Dolibarr in the cloud not only requires a solid technical configuration but also close attention to data security. This guide provides a comprehensive methodology for installing and securing Dolibarr on a cloud server in 2025.

1. Preparing the Cloud Server

Choosing a provider and resources

The first step is to select a cloud provider that meets your company’s needs. This could be a major market player such as AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, or a reputable regional provider known for reliability and compliance. Make sure to choose a server configuration appropriate for your business size and the expected user load. For Dolibarr, a server with 2 vCPUs, 4 GB of RAM, and 20 GB of SSD storage might suffice for a small or medium-sized company. If you anticipate rapid growth or high usage, opt for a more robust setup.

Preparing the operating environment

Once your server instance is provisioned, install a Linux operating system (e.g., Ubuntu LTS or Debian stable) to ensure long-term stability and support. Update the OS with the latest security patches and install necessary tools such as Apache/Nginx, PHP (a version compatible with Dolibarr), MariaDB/MySQL, and Certbot for managing SSL certificates.

2. Installing Dolibarr

Downloading the files

Download the latest stable version of Dolibarr directly from the official website (www.dolibarr.org) or its GitHub repository. Make sure to select a version compatible with the PHP and database versions you’ve installed.

Configuring the database

Create a dedicated database for Dolibarr along with an associated user with limited permissions. This helps compartmentalize data and reduces the risk of unauthorized access. For example, you might run the following commands:

• CREATE DATABASE dolibarr;
• CREATE USER 'dolibarruser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'secure_password';
• GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON dolibarr.* TO 'dolibarruser'@'localhost';
• FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

Deployment and configuration

Place the Dolibarr files in the appropriate directory on your web server (e.g., /var/www/html/dolibarr) and adjust file permissions for secure access. Then, open the installation wizard in your web browser (https://your-domain/dolibarr/install.php) to complete the configuration.

3. Securing Dolibarr

Implementing HTTPS

It is crucial to use HTTPS to protect the data exchanged between users and the server. Use a tool like Certbot to obtain a free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt. Once installed, configure your web server to redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS. This ensures that all connections are encrypted.

Reinforcing file permissions

After installation, tighten permissions on sensitive files:

• Set configuration files to read-only (chmod 400 conf/conf.php).
• Move installation and migration files out of the web-accessible directory.
• Create a dedicated user on the server to manage Dolibarr, minimizing the risks posed by users with overly broad permissions.

Securing the database

Beyond using a strong password for the database user, consider enabling local connections only whenever possible. If remote database access is necessary, restrict it to specific IP addresses and configure a firewall to allow only the required connections.

4. Monitoring and Maintenance

Regular backups

Automate daily backups of your database and Dolibarr files. Use a backup script that stores these files in a separate storage space or on a cloud storage service. This ensures you can quickly restore your data in the event of a failure.

Frequent updates

Stay current with the latest Dolibarr versions. New releases not only improve functionality but also address critical security fixes. Similarly, regularly apply updates to your operating system and underlying software components.

Performance and log monitoring

Implement monitoring tools (such as Munin, Zabbix, or a cloud monitoring service) to track server performance. Review access and error logs regularly to detect suspicious activity or performance issues promptly.

Conclusion

Installing and securing Dolibarr on a cloud server in 2025 is an effective solution for ensuring reliable access, high performance, and simplified management. By following the steps in this guide, you can enjoy the advantages of Dolibarr in the cloud while protecting your data and operations from potential risks. A robust configuration and consistent maintenance are key to getting the most out of this open-source business management solution.