About this project
I run a small business system (warehouse/logistics + accounting software) built on Node.js with a SQLite database. It currently runs on a local machine, and I need it moved to a properly configured cloud server (VPS) so my team and, eventually, paying customers can access it securely over the internet.
This is a one-time setup project, not an ongoing role. Once the server is live and working correctly, the engagement is complete (I may bring you back later for occasional maintenance, but that's not guaranteed and not part of this scope).
What the app is (so you know what you're working with)
A Node.js application using Express, with a SQLite database (via better-sqlite3) The frontend is a single HTML file — not a modern framework build (no React/Vue/webpack step needed) Lightweight — this does not need enterprise-scale infrastructure. A single small server (1–2GB RAM, 1 v CPU, ~25GB disk) is enough to start No containerization needed unless you have a strong reason to recommend it
Scope of work
Recommend and set up a suitable cloud server (VPS) — Digital Ocean, Vultr, or Linode preferred, but open to your recommendation if you have a good reason Choose a data center region close to the UAE (Frankfurt or Bangalore, or your best suggestion) Lock the server down properly before installing anything: SSH key–only login (no password login), a non-root user for daily use, firewall configured to only allow the necessary ports Install Node.js and get the application running continuously in the background using a process manager (PM2 or your recommended equivalent), so it automatically restarts if it crashes or the server reboots Set up a domain/subdomain I provide (e.g. app.mydomain.com) to point to the server Install and configure a reverse proxy (Nginx or Caddy) with free, auto-renewing HTTPS (Let's Encrypt) so the app runs securely on https://, not plain http://Set up automated daily backups of the application files and database Provide me with clear, written documentation of everything you set up: server access details, how to deploy an update in the future, how to restart the app if needed, and where backups are stored Test the whole setup end-to-end with me before considering the project complete
What is NOT included in this role
Any changes to the application's own code (login system, security of the app itself) — that is a separate role I'm hiring for Security testing / penetration testing of the application — that is also a separate, independent role Ongoing day-to-day support (can be discussed separately afterward if it goes well)
What I'm looking for in a candidate
Solid experience administering Linux servers (Ubuntu preferred) Real experience deploying and running Node.js applications in production (not just locally) Comfortable with Nginx or Caddy, SSH, DNS/domain configuration, and basic firewall setup (ufw or similar) Able to explain what you're doing in plain terms, since I'm not a technical person — I need to understand my own system, not just receive a finished black box Available to do this as a short, defined project (I'd expect this to take a few days of focused work, not weeks)
To apply, please include:
A brief note on similar server setup/deployment work you've done before Your estimated timeline and cost for this scope (fixed price preferred, but open to hourly if you explain your estimate) Anything you think I'm missing or should reconsider in the scope above