Launch your own self-hosted Directus instance in minutes, fully secured, scalable, and backed by 24/7 expert support
A traditional CMS bundles your content and your infrastructure into one vendor's box. A headless CMS on AWS splits them: your data lives in a database you control, and you decide what reads it, a website, a mobile app, an internal dashboard, whatever comes next.
That's where Directus comes in: a modern, open-source headless CMS and data platform that wraps your existing SQL database instead of replacing it. If you're weighing it against other options first, see how it compares in our Strapi vs Directus breakdown or the best open-source headless CMS APIs roundup.
With Meetrix's Directus AMI on AWS, you can deploy a ready-to-use, fully configured Directus environment in just a few clicks, no manual installation, no DevOps overhead.
Quick Video Guide
What Is Directus?
Directus is an open-source platform that transforms any SQL database into a powerful headless CMS and API. Unlike traditional CMS platforms, Directus does not store your data; it simply wraps your existing schema with a dynamic API and user-friendly admin interface. Running a headless CMS on AWS this way means you keep full ownership of the underlying database instead of trusting a SaaS vendor with it.
Key Features:
See the full list in the official Directus documentation, the highlights most teams care about:
- No lock-in: Use your own database schema
- REST and GraphQL APIs auto-generated from your tables
- Clean admin app with role-based access controls
- Extensible with custom hooks, endpoints, and plugins
- File management, dashboards, insights, and more
- Built for developers and non-technical users alike
Directus gives teams full control of their backend content and data workflows, without the rigidity of legacy CMS tools.
Directus Hosting on AWS, Without the Manual Setup
Setting up a production-ready Directus environment on AWS from scratch is a significant undertaking. It requires deep knowledge of server provisioning, database management, security hardening, and ongoing maintenance. Why spend hours on complex infrastructure when you can launch a fully optimized instance in minutes?
The Meetrix Directus AMI is the definitive shortcut to a professional-grade, self-hosted Directus deployment. We handle the DevOps, so you can focus on what matters: building your next amazing project.
Key Advantages of the Meetrix Directus AMI:
🚀 Launch in Minutes, Not Hours
Bypass the entire manual installation process. Our AMI deploys the latest stable version of Directus, pre-configured with all necessary components, so you can get started instantly.
🔒 Ironclad Security by Default
Your application is protected from day one with a hardened firewall, pre-configured NGINX, and automatic SSL/HTTPS setup. Our deployments are IAM-compatible, following AWS security best practices.
How to Enforce HTTPS and SSL on Your Headless CMS Deployment
Most manual Directus installs skip HTTPS until it becomes an audit finding. The Meetrix AMI enforces it from first boot: NGINX terminates SSL with a Let's Encrypt certificate, HTTP traffic redirects to HTTPS automatically, and the certificate renews itself. If your domain is managed with AWS Route 53, the certificate is generated and attached during the CloudFormation stack creation via Let's Encrypt, no manual `certbot` run required.
⚙️ Flexible & Production-Ready
Choose between PostgreSQL or MySQL for your database backend. The entire stack is optimized for performance and scalability, with secure admin access ready to go.
🤝 24/7 Expert Support
Every Meetrix AMI includes round-the-clock access to our team of cloud and Directus experts. We're here to assist with any infrastructure-related questions, ensuring your project runs smoothly.
Who Should Use This?
Meetrix's Directus AMI is ideal for:
- Frontend developers looking for a clean, powerful CMS backend
- Digital product teams building websites, apps, and internal tools
- Startups deploying content-driven experiences without SaaS lock-in
- Agencies managing CMS deployments for multiple clients
- Enterprises that need customizable, secure, and compliant CMS solutions
- Open data projects and public dashboards built on SQL
Directus isn't the only self-hosted data platform Meetrix runs on AWS. If your team needs a no-code interface on top of a database rather than a headless CMS API, NocoBase on AWS covers that use case instead.
Use Cases by Industry
| Industry | Use Case Examples |
|---|---|
| SaaS Platforms | Custom admin portals, user-generated content APIs |
| Media & Publishing | Editorial workflows, content APIs, video/image asset management |
| E-commerce | Product catalogs, inventory APIs, dynamic content admin |
| Government | Open data portals, structured content publishing |
| Healthcare | Internal dashboards, knowledge bases, HIPAA-compliant deployment |
| Education | Course content delivery, admin tools, multilingual site backends |
Why Choose Meetrix?
| Feature | Meetrix Directus AMI | Manual Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | < 10 minutes | Hours or days |
| Security | SSL, IAM, firewall pre-configured | Must configure from scratch |
| Database Integration | Pre-wired with PostgreSQL/MySQL | Requires additional steps |
| Updates & Maintenance | Supported by experts | DIY |
| Scalability | AWS-native, optimized | Must configure manually |
| Support | 24/7 human support | Community forums only |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this support PostgreSQL and MySQL?
Yes. You can use either database and we provide guidance for migrating your schema.
Can I use this in a private subnet or VPC?
Absolutely. The AMI supports full VPC integration, internal access, and network-level restrictions.
Is Directus secure for production use?
Yes. We configure HTTPS, firewall rules, and access controls by default. Admin access is secured.
How do I enforce HTTPS and SSL on a headless CMS deployment?
On the Meetrix Directus AMI it's automatic: NGINX terminates SSL with a Let's Encrypt certificate that renews itself, and HTTP requests redirect to HTTPS. A domain pointed at Route 53 is all that's required, no manual certbot setup.
Can I extend Directus with custom code?
Yes. Directus is fully extensible via hooks, endpoints, and custom modules.
Is support included in the AMI pricing?
Yes. All Meetrix Directus AMIs include 24/7 support. Optional consulting is also available.
Build Flexible, Future-Ready Apps with Directus and Meetrix
Content and data management shouldn't be limited by legacy tools or rigid CMS platforms. With Directus, you gain the flexibility of a modern, open-source headless CMS, and with Meetrix, you get a production-ready environment, launched in minutes and fully supported.
A custom API, an internal dashboard, a scalable content system, all three start from the same Directus AMI by Meetrix: launched in minutes, secured by default, with expert support behind it.
Launch Directus on AWS with Meetrix. Power your content your way.
Get Started with Directus by Meetrix on AWS Marketplace
