Overview
Netlify made deploying static sites and frontends simple, with functions for small pieces of backend logic. When a product grows a real backend, a database, email and messaging, those usually live with other providers.
Rimbra deploys the same static sites and frontends, and also runs long-running servers in Node, Python, PHP, Go, Rust, Ruby, Java or Docker, next to managed databases, with email and WhatsApp built in.
Rimbra and Netlify, side by side
| Rimbra | Netlify | |
|---|---|---|
| Static sites and frontends from GitHub | Yes | Yes |
| Long-running servers and Docker | Yes | Run as functions |
| Managed PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis | Built in | Through integrations |
| Buy domains | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic HTTPS | Yes | Yes |
| Transactional Email API | Built in | Not built in |
| WhatsApp API and shared inbox | Built in | Not built in |
Checked October 2026 from Netlify’s public pages. Products change; if something here is out of date, write to support@rimbra.app and we’ll fix it.
Which one to choose
Choose Rimbra when
- You run a backend server, a database or a Docker container.
- You want email and WhatsApp messaging without adding more providers.
Netlify may fit better when
- Your site is fully static or Jamstack and you use Netlify features like forms, identity or edge functions.
- You need a global CDN for static files above everything else.
Moving from Netlify to Rimbra
- 01
Sign up for Rimbra and connect GitHub. Pick the repository you deploy today.
- 02
Rimbra detects the framework and fills in the install, build and start commands. Change them in Settings if yours differ.
- 03
Paste your .env into the project’s Variables. Every line becomes a variable.
- 04
Need a database? Create PostgreSQL, MySQL or Redis in the same workspace and connect it. DATABASE_URL is set for you. Import your data with pg_dump or mysqldump.
- 05
Check the live address at your-project.rimbra.live, then point your domain at Rimbra. HTTPS is issued automatically.
Questions
Can Rimbra host a static site like Netlify?
Yes. Push a repository with an index.html, or a Vite, Astro, SvelteKit or Nuxt project, and Rimbra builds it and serves it over HTTPS at your-project.rimbra.live or your own domain.
Does Rimbra support Docker?
Yes. When a Dockerfile is present, Rimbra builds the image and runs it with the PORT environment variable set.