# Operate a self-hosted analytics service Review access, data retention, update path, privacy decisions, and backup recovery. Check the named site's prerequisites, task result, backup scope and recovery handoff with xCloud. Canonical: https://xcloud.host/use-cases/operations/operate-a-self-hosted-analytics-service/ Published: 2026-09-30 · Updated: 2026-09-30 · Technical review: 2026-09-30 Evidence: Source reviewed; no production deployment test claimed Editorial owner: xCloud editorial Intent: Review access, data retention, update path, privacy decisions, and backup recovery. For: site-owner, administrator ## Requirements and responsibilities - Name the team, server, hostname, owner and affected users for the Umami application. Record the current version and the actual business flow that must survive the change. Confirm the current dashboard form, plan eligibility, and server capacity before committing a resource change. A one-click catalog listing is discovery, not permission or proof that the connected MCP profile can install it. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Umami tracking setup](https://docs.umami.is/); [Umami event tracking](https://docs.umami.is/docs/track-events); [Matomo tracking code for WordPress](https://matomo.org/faq/new-to-piwik/how-do-i-install-the-matomo-tracking-code-on-wordpress/); [Matomo application and data backup](https://matomo.org/faq/how-to-install/faq_138/); [Matomo report auto-archiving](https://matomo.org/faq/on-premise/how-to-set-up-auto-archiving-of-your-reports/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) - Prepare a non-sensitive test input and an acceptance record. Keep access to the app administrator and an independent observer where possible; omit secrets from AI prompts and client reports. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Umami tracking setup](https://docs.umami.is/); [Umami event tracking](https://docs.umami.is/docs/track-events); [Matomo tracking code for WordPress](https://matomo.org/faq/new-to-piwik/how-do-i-install-the-matomo-tracking-code-on-wordpress/); [Matomo application and data backup](https://matomo.org/faq/how-to-install/faq_138/); [Matomo report auto-archiving](https://matomo.org/faq/on-premise/how-to-set-up-auto-archiving-of-your-reports/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) - For a Docker app, identify persistent volumes, bind mounts, external databases and app-level export requirements. A Docker backup briefly stops the app, and an in-place restore replaces current state. Agree a maintenance window and owner before any action that interrupts the service or overwrites data. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Umami tracking setup](https://docs.umami.is/); [Umami event tracking](https://docs.umami.is/docs/track-events); [Matomo tracking code for WordPress](https://matomo.org/faq/new-to-piwik/how-do-i-install-the-matomo-tracking-code-on-wordpress/); [Matomo application and data backup](https://matomo.org/faq/how-to-install/faq_138/); [Matomo report auto-archiving](https://matomo.org/faq/on-premise/how-to-set-up-auto-archiving-of-your-reports/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) ## Illustrative situation A self-hosted analytics dashboard suddenly shows fewer WordPress visits. The operator must distinguish tracker, filters, consent and app/database faults before changing reports. ## Choose the approach - Umami and Matomo have different tracking setup and backup requirements; use the selected application documentation. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Umami tracking setup](https://docs.umami.is/); [Umami event tracking](https://docs.umami.is/docs/track-events); [Matomo tracking code for WordPress](https://matomo.org/faq/new-to-piwik/how-do-i-install-the-matomo-tracking-code-on-wordpress/); [Matomo application and data backup](https://matomo.org/faq/how-to-install/faq_138/); [Matomo report auto-archiving](https://matomo.org/faq/on-premise/how-to-set-up-auto-archiving-of-your-reports/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) - A report gap is not automatically a traffic drop; compare controlled events and raw requests. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Umami tracking setup](https://docs.umami.is/); [Umami event tracking](https://docs.umami.is/docs/track-events); [Matomo tracking code for WordPress](https://matomo.org/faq/new-to-piwik/how-do-i-install-the-matomo-tracking-code-on-wordpress/); [Matomo application and data backup](https://matomo.org/faq/how-to-install/faq_138/); [Matomo report auto-archiving](https://matomo.org/faq/on-premise/how-to-set-up-auto-archiving-of-your-reports/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) ## Dashboard and application procedure ### 1. Identify selected service **Where:** xCloud site and analytics admin **Permissions:** Authorized xCloud read access to the named team and site; the relevant app or provider owner supplies records outside xCloud. **Inputs:** Umami or Matomo, property ID, app version **Action:** Confirm actual deployed app, property and WordPress hostname. Note report time zone and last normal date. **Expected result:** A specific measurement path. **Verify:** Check tracker/property ID against public site source. **If it fails:** If tracking points to staging, correct the property before interpreting trends. Capability: Confirm requirements and inspect resources Sources: [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [Umami tracking setup](https://docs.umami.is/) ### 2. Trace a controlled event **Where:** WordPress browser network and analytics UI **Permissions:** Authorized Analytics application administrator or delegated role with rights for this task; hosting access alone is insufficient. **Inputs:** Test page, consent state, known event **Action:** Visit a public page and trigger a harmless event. Inspect browser request and whether the app recorded it. **Expected result:** A direct signal from visitor to report. **Verify:** Compare request time and report count with filters off/on. **If it fails:** If no request leaves browser, inspect script, blocker and consent settings. Capability: Configure Umami or Matomo in its own application UI Sources: [Umami tracking setup](https://docs.umami.is/); [Umami event tracking](https://docs.umami.is/docs/track-events); [Matomo tracking code for WordPress](https://matomo.org/faq/new-to-piwik/how-do-i-install-the-matomo-tracking-code-on-wordpress/); [Matomo application and data backup](https://matomo.org/faq/how-to-install/faq_138/); [Matomo report auto-archiving](https://matomo.org/faq/on-premise/how-to-set-up-auto-archiving-of-your-reports/) ### 3. Review filters and access **Where:** Analytics property settings **Permissions:** Authorized Analytics application administrator or delegated role with rights for this task; hosting access alone is insufficient. **Inputs:** Internal IP rules, exclusions, user roles **Action:** Check whether internal-traffic filtering, consent or property permissions changed. Confirm reports are viewed at the intended date range. **Expected result:** A scoped explanation for missing visits. **Verify:** Repeat controlled event outside excluded traffic. **If it fails:** If users can see restricted data, adjust app rights. Capability: Configure Umami or Matomo in its own application UI Sources: [Umami tracking setup](https://docs.umami.is/); [Umami event tracking](https://docs.umami.is/docs/track-events); [Matomo tracking code for WordPress](https://matomo.org/faq/new-to-piwik/how-do-i-install-the-matomo-tracking-code-on-wordpress/); [Matomo application and data backup](https://matomo.org/faq/how-to-install/faq_138/); [Matomo report auto-archiving](https://matomo.org/faq/on-premise/how-to-set-up-auto-archiving-of-your-reports/) ### 4. Inspect service and data **Where:** xCloud Docker site and app database **Permissions:** Authorized xCloud read access to the named team and site; the relevant app or provider owner supplies records outside xCloud. **Inputs:** Logs, disk, DB health, background jobs **Action:** Check app health, database capacity and errors without assuming a green web UI means ingestion works. For Matomo review archive job health if used. **Expected result:** An infrastructure or app fault assessment. **Verify:** Compare known event with ingest/log status. **If it fails:** If DB is full or job stopped, repair before recalculating reports. Capability: Confirm requirements and inspect resources Sources: [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [Umami tracking setup](https://docs.umami.is/); [Matomo report auto-archiving](https://matomo.org/faq/on-premise/how-to-set-up-auto-archiving-of-your-reports/) ### 5. Protect history and policy **Where:** xCloud Backup and analytics retention settings **Permissions:** Authorized xCloud team/site operator with the discovered write scope for this exact operation and owner approval for its target and interruption. **Inputs:** Database, config, retention, deletion owner **Action:** Verify a Completed backup covering selected app state; for Matomo include database/config/plugins and for Umami its DB. Reconfirm privacy and retention decisions. **Expected result:** A recoverable and governed analytics service. **Verify:** Restore sample or document the untested recovery gap. **If it fails:** If backup omits database, do not delete or rebuild the production property. Capability: Create and inspect Docker backups Sources: [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [Umami tracking setup](https://docs.umami.is/); [Matomo application and data backup](https://matomo.org/faq/how-to-install/faq_138/) ## Maintenance - Review this task after app or template updates and at the cadence agreed with the owner. Record failures as dated observations rather than assuming host health proves service health. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Umami tracking setup](https://docs.umami.is/); [Umami event tracking](https://docs.umami.is/docs/track-events); [Matomo tracking code for WordPress](https://matomo.org/faq/new-to-piwik/how-do-i-install-the-matomo-tracking-code-on-wordpress/); [Matomo application and data backup](https://matomo.org/faq/how-to-install/faq_138/); [Matomo report auto-archiving](https://matomo.org/faq/on-premise/how-to-set-up-auto-archiving-of-your-reports/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) - Watch access changes, backup completion, free storage and external providers. Recheck integrations after credential, DNS, mail or source-data changes. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Umami tracking setup](https://docs.umami.is/); [Umami event tracking](https://docs.umami.is/docs/track-events); [Matomo tracking code for WordPress](https://matomo.org/faq/new-to-piwik/how-do-i-install-the-matomo-tracking-code-on-wordpress/); [Matomo application and data backup](https://matomo.org/faq/how-to-install/faq_138/); [Matomo report auto-archiving](https://matomo.org/faq/on-premise/how-to-set-up-auto-archiving-of-your-reports/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) ## Recovery decisions - Before data recovery, identify incident time, completed backup, target and records created after the snapshot. Preserve current evidence and live data before replacement. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Umami tracking setup](https://docs.umami.is/); [Umami event tracking](https://docs.umami.is/docs/track-events); [Matomo tracking code for WordPress](https://matomo.org/faq/new-to-piwik/how-do-i-install-the-matomo-tracking-code-on-wordpress/); [Matomo application and data backup](https://matomo.org/faq/how-to-install/faq_138/); [Matomo report auto-archiving](https://matomo.org/faq/on-premise/how-to-set-up-auto-archiving-of-your-reports/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) - Use the documented dashboard or application recovery procedure with the authorized owner. Repeat the task-specific limited-user check; reconcile newer records before reopening writes. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Umami tracking setup](https://docs.umami.is/); [Umami event tracking](https://docs.umami.is/docs/track-events); [Matomo tracking code for WordPress](https://matomo.org/faq/new-to-piwik/how-do-i-install-the-matomo-tracking-code-on-wordpress/); [Matomo application and data backup](https://matomo.org/faq/how-to-install/faq_138/); [Matomo report auto-archiving](https://matomo.org/faq/on-premise/how-to-set-up-auto-archiving-of-your-reports/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) ## AI handoff Connect an authorized xCloud MCP profile and discover its exact tools and team scope. The packaged REST wrapper is GET-only; use dashboard or app controls for undocumented writes. ### Supported scope - **Confirm requirements and inspect resources** (mcp; read): Discover the connected profile and operation schema first; only teams granted to the connection are visible. Checkpoint: Confirm exact team, server and site identity. Use dashboard\_url returned by the resource; do not invent a dashboard link. Operation identifiers to discover: teams.index, servers.show, sites.show. Scopes: read:servers, read:sites. Sources: [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md) ### Copyable agent brief ```text Read selected Umami or Matomo site/server and backup metadata. Return exact app and property questions. Do not claim MCP sees analytics events or changes privacy filters; app owner validates browser request and report count. ``` ### Manual checkpoints - Approve exact site, target, cost and any write or maintenance window after inspecting the proposed plan. - An authorized Umami administrator must configure and test app users, content, integrations and business rules in the app. - Native WordPress staging, backup schedule/settings, push/pull and all restores are dashboard-only; Docker restore is dashboard-only and replaces state. - Reconcile data created after the chosen recovery point before any destructive restore. ## Feature coverage - **analytics-ops decision, evidence and task action** (covered): The procedure identifies the authorized task boundary and observable result. Steps: step-1, step-2, step-3, step-4 - **backup, ongoing operation and recovery** (covered): Recovery and maintenance are checked in the task procedure. Steps: step-4, step-5 ## Sources - [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md) — reviewed 2026-09-30; v4.4.2 package; xCloud v2.8.8 capability review - [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs) — reviewed 2026-09-30 - [Umami tracking setup](https://docs.umami.is/) — reviewed 2026-09-30 - [Umami event tracking](https://docs.umami.is/docs/track-events) — reviewed 2026-09-30 - [Matomo tracking code for WordPress](https://matomo.org/faq/new-to-piwik/how-do-i-install-the-matomo-tracking-code-on-wordpress/) — reviewed 2026-09-30 - [Matomo application and data backup](https://matomo.org/faq/how-to-install/faq_138/) — reviewed 2026-09-30 - [Matomo report auto-archiving](https://matomo.org/faq/on-premise/how-to-set-up-auto-archiving-of-your-reports/) — reviewed 2026-09-30 - [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/) — reviewed 2026-09-30 - [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md) — reviewed 2026-09-30; v4.4.2 - [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) — reviewed 2026-09-30 ## Continue [Explore all use cases](https://xcloud.host/use-cases/) - [Back up and recover a Docker application](https://xcloud.host/use-cases/operations/docker-backup-and-recovery/)