# General SMC deployment guidelines

The basic SMC installation consists of a Management Server, a Log Server, and the Management Client.

It is possible to run the Management Server and the Log Server on the same computer in low-traffic environments. In larger environments, the components are run on dedicated servers. Several Log Servers might be needed in large or geographically distributed organizations. The Management Client connects to the Management Server for configuring and monitoring the system and to Log Servers for browsing the log entries.

Table 1. General guidelines for SMC components in an SMC deployment
Component | General guidelines
--- | ---
Management Server | Position on a central site where it is physically accessible to the administrators responsible for maintaining its operation.
Log Servers | Place the Log Servers centrally and locally on sites as needed based on log data volume and administrative responsibilities.
Web Portal Server | The Web Portal Server can be deployed in any location that has network access to the Management Server and the Log Servers.
Management Client | The Management Client can be used from any location that has network access to the Management Server and the Log Servers.