We're updating some of our product names. K2 Five is now Nintex Automation. You may see both product names in our help pages while we make this change.

Understanding K2 Components

The K2 environment consists of various components, some of which are optional. Which components you install and where you install them depend on your K2 topology and how you use K2. This topic describes where you can install the components, and their purpose and use in a typical K2 installation.

The table below lists the components that are typically installed in a K2 topology.

K2 Component	Required/ Optional	Installed on	Description and Notes
K2 Server (K2 application server)	Required	K2 Application Server(s)	The K2 Server Windows service and other components that provide the core functionality of the K2 platform. For example SmartObject service, Workflow services and SmartForms services, as well as supporting services including logging, authentication, scheduling, licensing, and others.
K2 database	Required	Microsoft SQL Instance	This is the database K2 uses for its own internal data storage. The database is usually installed along with the first installation of the K2 Server, targeting a specified SQL instance.
K2 Core	Required	All machines where K2 components are installed	Provides basic functionality required by the K2 installer, as well as installing assemblies required by K2.
K2 Setup Manager	Required	All machines where K2 components are installed	The Setup Manager is used to install, remove, configure, and modify K2 components on the machine.
K2 Site	Required	K2 Application Server(s) Web Server(s)	The K2 Site contains the K2 Workspace (Deskop), Management site, Runtime and Designer sites and other web services.
K2 Package and Deployment	Optional (but recommended)	K2 Application Server(s)	Used to package K2 artifacts (such as SmartObjects, Forms, Views and Workflows) in a K2 environment and then deploy the resulting package of artifacts in a different environment.
K2 for SharePoint	Optional	App deployed to the SharePoint App Catalog	Provider-hosted app for SharePoint Online/2013 or later, allowing for building of applications with SmartObjects, SmartForms and Workflows in Microsoft SharePoint.