Quollix
Show HN: self-hosting platform with built-in OIDC provider and backups
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What is Quollix?
Quollix is a self-hosting platform built around an open-source core that enables users to install and manage a catalog of apps from their browser. The platform provides automated maintenance features including backups, updates, and container management, making it easier to run self-hosted services without deep technical expertise.
Key features include an app store with various applications to install, the ability to start/stop/backup/update/delete apps through a web interface, access policy controls (Admin only, Authenticated, Group restricted, Public), a Terminal feature for interactive shell access inside app containers, and Groups functionality for managing user access. The platform runs on Docker containers and supports both local testing setups and production server deployments.
Quollix is designed for individuals and organizations interested in self-hosting, privacy-conscious users who want to control their own data, developers testing applications locally, and anyone wanting to run web-based services like WordPress, Nextcloud, Forgejo, or HedgeDoc on their own infrastructure. It appeals to both beginners new to self-hosting and experienced users managing production servers.
Quollix pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Quollix is an open-source project with a free core. A Premium license key is available for purchase that unlocks premium features including the Groups functionality. Buying a license key helps fund Quollix development and infrastructure. The platform supports both free self-hosted use and premium features through license activation.
Quollix pros
- Open-source core with transparent code
- Self-hosted platform for data control
- Catalog of apps available through app store
- Automated backup functionality for all apps
- One-click update feature with automatic backup
- Web-based interface for app management
- Terminal access to app containers
- Multiple access policy options (Admin/Authenticated/Group/Public)
- Groups feature for granular access control
- Docker-based container architecture
- Supports both local testing and production deployment
- Default HTTPS with self-signed certificates
- Download app configuration for portability
- Upload/download apps locally without app store
- Premium license key available to fund development
- Active community contribution opportunities
- Works on Ubuntu with Docker Engine
Quollix cons
- Self-signed HTTPS certificates cause browser warnings
- Groups feature is premium-only behind license key
- First app start can take several minutes
- App subdomains must be manually configured in hosts file
- Local setup requires manual hosts file editing
- Uploaded apps require manual update maintenance
- Enabling automatic updates on uploaded apps may cause incompatibilities
- Containers may have different shells affecting Terminal usage
- Changing server host can break some apps requiring restart
- OIDC changes may require app admin interface updates
- Public access policy increases vulnerability exposure risk
- App store public publishing not fully implemented yet
- Requires Docker installation prerequisite
- Production recommendation limited to Ubuntu
- Client ID changes can break app functionality
Frequently asked questions about Quollix
What is Quollix?
Quollix is a self-hosting platform built around an open-source core. It provides a catalog of apps to install and automated maintenance features. You install Quollix on a server, add apps, and access them from your browser.
How do I install Quollix?
Before starting, install Docker on your machine. For production servers, Ubuntu with Docker Engine installed through apt is recommended. You can choose the local setup for testing on your PC or follow the production setup for running on a server.
What apps can I install with Quollix?
Quollix provides a catalog of apps through its app store. Available apps include WordPress, Nextcloud, Forgejo, HedgeDoc, and other web-based applications. You can also manually upload apps locally without relying on the official App Store.
How do I manage installed apps?
On the Installed Apps page, you can perform operations including Start, Stop, Backup, Update (creates backup then installs latest version), Delete (removes app but preserves backups), and Download (provides app configuration).
What access policies are available for apps?
Four access policies are available: Admin only (only administrators can access), Authenticated (any signed-in user can access), Group restricted (only users in authorized groups can access), and Public (anyone can access without signing in). Apps default to Admin only for safety.
What is the Terminal feature?
The Terminal feature lets you open an interactive shell inside an app's running container. Since containers may include different shells, Terminal adapts to the available shell in each container.
How do I set up Quollix locally for testing?
Create a docker-compose.yml with the quollix service using image quollix/quollix:latest, expose ports 80 and 443 to 127.0.0.1, mount /tmp and /var/run/docker.sock volumes, then run sudo docker compose up -d. Visit http://localhost and log in with admin/password.
What is the Groups feature?
Groups is a premium feature activated with a license key. It takes effect when an app uses group-restricted access policy. Access is granted to any user who is a member of at least one group authorized for the app. You create a group, add users as members, and grant the group access to the app.
Why does my browser show HTTPS certificate warnings?
Quollix uses a self-signed HTTPS certificate by default. Your browser may show a certificate warning when opening Quollix or an installed app over HTTPS. For initial access, you must accept the warning.
How can I contribute to Quollix?
You can contribute by spreading the word (talking to friends, sharing on social media, writing blogs), improving the website through GitHub (requires Markdown and GitHub knowledge), expanding the App Store by packaging software, improving app compatibility with OIDC support, improving security through responsible reporting, or supporting development by buying a license key.