Easily Deploy Wekan on AWS with One Click

Introduction

Overview of Wekan

Wekan is an open-source project management tool designed to streamline task management through intuitive Kanban boards. It facilitates team collaboration, task tracking, and project organization with customizable features, making it a versatile solution for various project management needs.

Importance of Deploying on AWS

Deploying Wekan on AWS brings several advantages, including enhanced scalability, robust security measures, and reliable performance. AWS's cloud infrastructure ensures that Wekan can handle increased workloads seamlessly, provides advanced security protocols, and guarantees high availability for uninterrupted project management.

This article will guide you through the prerequisites for deploying Wekan on AWS, provide a step-by-step installation guide using a pre-configured Amazon Machine Image (AMI), and discuss additional considerations for optimizing your Wekan deployment. By the end, you'll have a fully operational Wekan instance on AWS, ready to enhance your project management processes.

What is Wekan?

Wekan is an open-source project management tool designed to streamline and organize tasks through Kanban boards. Its primary purpose is to facilitate team collaboration, task tracking, and project organization, providing a visual workflow that helps teams stay on top of their projects.

Key Features

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easily move tasks across different stages of your workflow.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Work with your team in real time with updates reflected immediately.
• Customizable Boards and Cards: Tailor boards and cards to fit your project needs, including labels, due dates, and attachments.
• Activity Tracking: Keep track of changes and activities on your boards with detailed logs.
• Integration Options: Integrate Wekan with other tools and services to enhance functionality and streamline workflows.
• Access Control: Define user roles and permissions to control who can view and edit boards.
• Notifications and Alerts: Set up notifications and alerts to stay informed about task updates and deadlines.
• Templates: Use pre-defined templates to quickly set up new boards and workflows.
• Mobile-Friendly: Access Wekan on the go with a mobile-responsive interface.
• Export and Import: Easily export and import boards and cards to share with other Wekan instances or tools.

Use Cases

• Project Management for Software Development Teams: Organize sprints, track bugs, and manage feature development.
• Task Tracking for Marketing Campaigns: Plan, execute, and monitor marketing campaigns with clear task assignments and deadlines.
• Personal To-Do Lists and Goals: Manage personal tasks and goals with customizable boards and lists.
• Event Planning: Coordinate event tasks, timelines, and responsibilities with collaborative boards.
• Customer Support: Track customer support tickets and resolutions efficiently.

These features and use cases highlight Wekan's flexibility and effectiveness in managing a wide range of projects and tasks, making it a valuable tool for various industries and personal productivity.

Benefits of Using Wekan Over Other Tools Like Trello

Open Source and Customizability

Wekan is an open-source project management tool, allowing you to modify and customize the software to meet your specific needs. This level of flexibility is not available with proprietary tools like Trello.

Cost Efficiency

Unlike Trello, which has subscription fees for advanced features, Wekan is free to use. This can result in significant cost savings, especially for large teams or organizations.

Data Control and Privacy

With Wekan, you have complete control over your data since it can be self-hosted on your servers or AWS infrastructure. This ensures better privacy and compliance with data protection regulations compared to cloud-based services like Trello.

Custom Features and Integrations

Wekan allows for extensive custom features and integrations. You can add or modify features according to your requirements, integrating seamlessly with other tools and workflows.

Community Support

Being an open-source tool, Wekan has a strong community of developers and users who contribute to its continuous improvement. This community support can be invaluable for troubleshooting and feature development.

No Vendor Lock-In

Using Wekan eliminates the risk of vendor lock-in associated with proprietary tools like Trello. You have the freedom to migrate your data and customize your setup without being tied to a specific service provider.

Local Hosting and Offline Access

Wekan can be hosted locally or on your preferred cloud service, allowing offline access and operation, unlike Trello, which relies entirely on an internet connection for functionality.

By leveraging these benefits, Wekan provides a versatile, secure, and cost-effective alternative to Trello and other proprietary project management tools.

Why Choose Meetrix's Wekan AMI?

1. Effortless Deployment

• Rapid Setup: Deploy Wekan swiftly with minimal effort.?
• One-Click Deployment: Simplifies the process, enabling quick and easy setup.

2. Cost Efficiency

• Flexible Pricing: Pay only for what you use with the pay-as-you-go model.?
• Significant Savings: Reduce costs compared to traditional setups.

3. Performance Optimization

• Customized Configurations: Ensures Wekan operates efficiently.?
• Resource Management: Effectively handles computational demands.

4. Enhanced Security

• Adheres to AWS Best Practices: Follows top security protocols.?
• Robust Protection: Includes advanced firewalls, encryption, and access controls.

5. High Availability & Scalability

• Leveraging AWS Features: Ensures high availability and reliability.?
• Scalable Solutions: Easily scale resources to meet demand.

6. Maintenance Simplicity

• Frequent Updates: Regularly updated to include the latest features and patches.
• Automated Processes: Simplifies maintenance with automation.

7. Flexibility - Customization

• Adjustable Settings: Tailor configurations to your specific needs.?
• AWS Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other AWS services for enhanced functionality.

8. Comprehensive Support

• Expert Guidance: Receive professional support for deployment and troubleshooting.
• Rigorous Testing: Thoroughly tested to ensure reliability and performance.

Meetrix's Wekan AMI provides a robust, scalable, and secure project management solution on AWS, making it an ideal choice for various organizational needs.

Quick Developer Guide

Prerequisites

1. AWS Account:

Ensure you have an active AWS account with the necessary permissions.

2. Basic Knowledge:

Familiarity with AWS services such as EC2, Route 53, and CloudFormation.

3. Required Tools:

• AWS CLI
• SSH client
• Wekan installation files

4. Sufficient vCPU Limits:

Ensure sufficient vCPU limits by following this guide.

Step-by-Step Wekan Installation Guide on AWS

Video Guide

Launching the Wekan AMI

1. Log in to AWS Management Console:

• Access the AWS Management Console.

2. Find and Subscribe to Wekan AMI:

• Navigate to the AWS Marketplace and search for 'Wekan'.
• Click "Continue to Subscribe" and accept the terms.

3. Configure and Select the CloudFormation Script:

• Choose the CloudFormation script as the fulfillment option.
• Select your preferred region and click "Continue to Launch".

4. Launch CloudFormation:

• Select "Launch CloudFormation" from the dropdown menu and click "Launch".

Creating the CloudFormation Stack

1. Prepare Template:

• Ensure "Template is ready" is selected and click "Next".

2. Specify Stack Options:

• Provide a unique stack name.
• Enter the admin email for SSL generation.
• Set the DeploymentName.
• Choose the recommended instance type (e.g., t3.medium).
• Select your preferred keyName.
• Set SSHLocation to "0.0.0.0/0".
• Keep SubnetCidrBlock as "10.0.0.0/24" and VpcCidrBlock as "10.0.0.0/16".
• Click "Next".

3. Configure Stack Options:

• Select "Roll back all stack resources" and "Delete all newly created resources".
• Click "Next".

4. Review and Submit:

• Review the details.
• Tick the box for IAM resources.
• Click "Submit".
• Wait for the stack to be successfully created (5-10 minutes).

Updating DNS Settings

1. Copy Public IP Address:

• Copy the public IP address labeled "PublicIp" in the "Outputs" tab.

2. Update Route 53 DNS:

• Go to AWS Route 53 and navigate to "Hosted Zones".
• Create a new record and paste the copied IP address.
• Save the record.

Accessing Wekan Dashboard

1. Dashboard Access:

• Use the "DashboardUrl" or "DashboardUrlIp" from the "Outputs" tab.
• Troubleshoot common issues like "502 Bad Gateway" if encountered.

Generating SSL Manually (If Needed)

1. Copy Public IP Address:

• Copy the public IP address.

2. SSH into Server:

• Open terminal and SSH into the server using the command:

ssh -i <your key name> ubuntu@<Public IP address>        

• Type "yes" to confirm.

3. Generate SSL Certificate:

• Run the command

sudo /root/certificate_generate_standalone.sh        

Shutting Down and Removing Wekan

Shutting Down

Access the EC2 Instance:

• From the "Resources" tab, select the instance.
• Choose "Stop instance" from the dropdown.

Removing

Delete the CloudFormation Stack:

• From the AWS Management Console, navigate to "CloudFormation Stacks".
• Delete the stack.

API Setup for Wekan on AWS

Custom Instance Types

• Optimal Performance: Select AWS instance types tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the best balance between performance and cost-efficiency.
• Storage Options: Utilize AWS storage solutions like EBS (Elastic Block Store) for optimal performance and cost balance.

Integration Capabilities:

• Third-Party Integrations: Connect Wekan with tools like Slack, Trello, or Google Drive to enhance productivity.
• API Utilization: Leverage Wekan's API for seamless integration with other applications and workflow automation.

Wekan REST API

The Wekan REST API enables seamless control and extension of Wekan functionalities. Here are the key API components:

Key API Components

Authentication

• Login: Authenticate users via POST requests.
• Register: Create new users.

Boards

• Get Boards: Retrieve public boards.
• Create Board: Add a new board.
• Delete Board: Remove a board.

Cards

• Create Card: Add new cards to a board.
• Edit Card: Modify card details.
• Delete Card: Remove a card.

Checklists

• Get Checklists: Retrieve checklists for a card.
• Create Checklist: Add a new checklist.
• Delete Checklist: Remove a checklist.

Integrations

• Get Integrations: Fetch all integrations for a board.
• Create Integration: Add a new integration.
• Delete Integration: Remove an integration.

Users

• Get Users: Retrieve all users.
• Create User: Add a new user.
• Edit User: Modify user details.
• Delete User: Remove a user.

For more detailed information, visit the official Wekan API Documentation and the Wekan REST API Wiki.

Advanced Configuration Options

Performance Tuning:

• Database Indexing: Implement indexing strategies to accelerate database queries.
• Load Testing: Regularly conduct load tests to ensure the system handles peak usage efficiently.

Enhanced Security Measures:

• DDoS Protection: Use AWS Shield to safeguard against distributed denial-of-service attacks.
• Vulnerability Scanning: Regularly scan for vulnerabilities and apply patches to maintain security integrity.

Compliance and Regulatory Adherence:

• GDPR Compliance: Implement necessary data protection measures to ensure compliance with GDPR.
• HIPAA Compliance: Follow HIPAA guidelines if handling healthcare data to ensure security and privacy.

Disaster Recovery Planning:

• Multi-Region Deployment: Deploy Wekan across multiple AWS regions for high availability and disaster recovery.
• Automated Failover: Set up automated failover to another region in case of an outage.

User Management and Permissions:

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Manage user permissions effectively with RBAC.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enhance security by implementing MFA for user logins.

Cost Management Strategies:

• Spot Instances: Use AWS spot instances for non-critical workloads to reduce costs.
• Cost Allocation Tags: Track and manage expenses more effectively with cost allocation tags.

Maintenance and Support:

• Regular Backups and Maintenance: Schedule regular backups and apply necessary updates.
• Professional Support: Utilize AWS support plans and engage with Meetrix for specialized assistance.

Documentation and Community Support:

• Comprehensive Documentation: Maintain detailed deployment and configuration documentation.

Community and Forums: Engage with AWS and Wekan user communities for additional support and best practices.

Conclusion

Deploying Wekan on AWS offers a multitude of benefits, including high performance, cost-efficiency, enhanced security, and seamless scalability. With features like real-time collaboration, customizable boards, and a user-friendly interface, Wekan stands out as a robust project management tool.

By leveraging AWS, you ensure a reliable, secure, and scalable environment for your Wekan deployment. Explore Wekan's advanced features to optimize your workflow and enhance productivity. For further support or inquiries, reach out to our expert team at Meetrix. We're here to help you achieve seamless project management with Wekan on AWS.