What is STACKIT Run Command?
STACKIT Run Command extends STACKIT Compute Engine with the ability to execute commands and scripts directly via the STACKIT API, CLI, or portal on running instances — without SSH access. It is built on the STACKIT Server Agent, a lightweight tool for monitoring and managing STACKIT servers that is now installed by default on all public STACKIT images. Run Command has been generally available (GA) since May 2026.
Core Features
- SSH-free execution of shell and PowerShell scripts on instances
- Full control via the STACKIT API and CLI
- Predefined command templates for common administration tasks (e.g. RunShellScript, RunPowerShellScript)
- Server Agent as the foundation for execution, monitoring, and instance management
- Permission control via STACKIT IAM for granular access control
- Ready to use immediately after the instance is provisioned and its operating system becomes active, with no additional configuration
Typical Use Cases
Patch Management: Security updates are applied automatically to compute instances without opening SSH connections or configuring jump hosts.
Emergency Access: When SSH configurations are broken or network connections are interrupted, Run Command still provides access to instances for recovery measures.
Automated Configuration Changes: Recurring administrative tasks can be integrated into CI/CD pipelines and Infrastructure-as-Code workflows via the API.
Benefits
- Increased security by avoiding open SSH ports
- Fully automatable via API and CLI for CI/CD and IaC tools
- Auditability through logging of all executions
- Included in Compute Engine at no separate additional cost
Integration with innFactory
As an official STACKIT partner, innFactory supports you in building secure automation workflows: from patch management scripts and Terraform integration to secure instance management without SSH exposure.
Typical Use Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is STACKIT Run Command?
STACKIT Run Command is a Compute Engine feature that lets you execute shell or PowerShell scripts directly via API, CLI, or the portal on running instances, without opening an SSH connection. The service has been generally available (GA) since May 2026.
What is the STACKIT Server Agent and how does it relate to Run Command?
The [STACKIT Server Agent](/en/cloud/stackit/products/server-agent/) is a lightweight tool for monitoring and managing STACKIT servers, now installed by default on all public STACKIT images. It provides the technical foundation Run Command uses to execute scripts on an instance. Both services have been generally available (GA) since May 2026.
When should I use Run Command instead of SSH?
Run Command is useful when open SSH ports are not desired, for example for automated patch management or emergency access when the regular SSH configuration is unreachable.
Which script types are supported?
Shell scripts for Linux instances and PowerShell scripts for Windows instances are supported, each subject to a limited maximum script size.
What does STACKIT Run Command cost?
Run Command is included as a Compute Engine feature at no separate additional cost; you are billed for the underlying compute instance.
Can I opt out of the Server Agent during provisioning?
Yes. Although the STACKIT Server Agent has been preinstalled by default on public images since May 2026, you can disable its installation during server creation if needed (e.g. via a portal toggle, a Terraform argument, or the CLI/API).
Note: All product information on this page has been compiled with care, but is provided without guarantee and may be outdated or incomplete. Cloud services evolve rapidly — features, pricing, SLAs, and availability change frequently. Authoritative and up-to-date information can only be found on the official product page of STACKIT (official documentation). This page does not represent an offer by STACKIT.
