# Supported platforms for SMC deployment

SMC server components can be installed on third-party hardware or they are available as a dedicated Forcepoint Network Security Platform Security Management Center Appliance (SMC Appliance).

## Third-party hardware

CAUTION:
Do not install the SMC components on Security Engine hardware.

- You can install the SMC on third-party hardware that meets the hardware and operating system requirements. For information about hardware requirements, see the Release Notes.
- You can install all SMC server components on the same computer, or install separate components on different computers.
- In a large or geographically distributed deployment, we recommend installing the Management Server, Log Server, and optional Web Access Server on separate computers.

## Physical Forcepoint SMC Appliance

The Management Server and a Log Server are integrated with the hardware operating system as a dedicated server appliance.

## Virtual Forcepoint SMC Appliance

The Management Server and a Log Server are integrated with the operating system and provided as .iso image for installation to your own hypervisor as a virtual machine.