## LangWatch Overview

LangWatch is an open-source LLM Ops platform for evaluation, observability, and optimization of AI agents and pipelines. You can self-host LangWatch for full data sovereignty, regulatory compliance (GDPR, SOC 2), or air-gapped environments. The self-hosted edition runs the same software that powers LangWatch Cloud — there is no separate “community” or “enterprise” build.

**Get the entire LangWatch platform running with a single Helm install:**

```
helm repo add langwatch https://langwatch.github.io/langwatch
helm repo update
helm pull langwatch/langwatch --untar
helm install langwatch ./langwatch \
  --namespace langwatch --create-namespace \
  -f langwatch/examples/values-local.yaml
```

See [Kubernetes (Helm)](/content/docs/self-hosting/deployment/kubernetes-helm/index.html) for full setup instructions.

## Architecture at a Glance

| Component | Description |
| --------- | ----------- |
| OTel / REST | Data collection and transmission |
| Your LLM App | The application hosting your model |
| LangWatch App | The LangWatch user interface |
| AI Gateway | Optional component for managing traffic |
| LLM Providers | e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic, Bedrock |
| Redis | Caching layer |
| LangWatch Workers | Asynchronous processing |
| ClickHouse | Analytical database |
| LangEvals | Evaluation framework |
| LangWatch NLP | Natural Language Processing capabilities |
| PostgreSQL | Relational database for state |
| S3 | Object storage |

See [Architecture & Infrastructure](/content/docs/self-hosting/infrastructure/architecture/index.html) for a detailed breakdown of networking, scaling, and storage tiers.

## Deployment Models

### LangWatch Cloud
Fully managed by the LangWatch team. No infrastructure to manage, sign up and start sending traces in minutes. [Sign up at langwatch.ai](/content/site-root.html)

### Self-Managed
Deploy the complete LangWatch stack on your own infrastructure, AWS, Azure, GCP, or bare metal. You manage everything: compute, databases, and storage. Full data sovereignty. [Get started with Kubernetes](/content/docs/self-hosting/deployment/kubernetes-helm/index.html)

### Cloud Enterprise
LangWatch manages the application. Your data lives on exclusive, dedicated instances deployed in your preferred cloud region.

### Hybrid
LangWatch manages the control plane while you provide the data plane, ensuring your trace data never leaves your network. [Learn more](/content/docs/hybrid-setup/overview/index.html)

### At a Glance

|  | **Cloud** | **Self-Managed** | **Cloud Enterprise** | **Hybrid** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| You manage infrastructure |  | Yes |  |  |
| You manage data storage |  | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LangWatch manages app | Yes |  | Yes | Yes |
| Data stays in your network |  | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Setup time | Minutes | Hours | Days | Days |

## Quick Start

Choose the deployment method that fits your environment:

- [**Docker Compose**: Quick local setup with Docker.](/content/docs/self-hosting/deployment/docker-compose/index.html)
- [**Kubernetes (Helm)**: Production deployment on any Kubernetes cluster.](/content/docs/self-hosting/deployment/kubernetes-helm/index.html)
- [**Local Kubernetes**: Test the Helm chart locally with Kind.](/content/docs/self-hosting/deployment/kubernetes-local/index.html)

## What’s New in v3

LangWatch v3 is a major architecture upgrade. If you are migrating from v2, review the deployment guides for updated requirements.

- **ClickHouse replaces Elasticsearch** as the primary data store.
- **Event-sourcing architecture** ensures reliable processing of traces.
- **S3 cold storage tiering** automatically moves older data to reduce costs.
- **Native ClickHouse backup/restore** simplifies disaster recovery.
- **Auto-tuned ClickHouse** optimizes resource allocation.
- **Composable Helm chart overlays** allow customizable deployments.
- **Deep OpenTelemetry integration** for infrastructure monitoring.
- **AI Gateway sub-chart** allows for LLM traffic management with virtual keys. See [AI Gateway → Self-hosting](/content/docs/ai-gateway/self-hosting/helm/index.html).

## Enterprise Features

For Cloud Enterprise or Hybrid deployments, [contact the LangWatch team](/content/get-a-demo/index.html) to discuss your requirements. Enterprise capabilities include:

- **SSO, SCIM**: Integrate with your identity provider for user provisioning.
- **Role-based access control**: Fine-grained permissions across projects.
- **Audit logs**: Full visibility into system activities.
- **Priority support**: Dedicated engineering assistance.