> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.dragen.illumina.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.dragen.illumina.com/dragen-v4.6/getting-started/quickstart/platform-deployments.md).

# Start on Illumina BioInsight Platform

Three DRAGEN deployments license through Illumina BioInsight Platform, and one free trial covers all three.

A free trial gives you full platform access for 30 days with 100 [BioInsight Credits](/dragen-v4.6/reference/licensing.md) included. No credit card and no purchase order are required.

<a href="https://platform.login.illumina.com/platform-home/choose-subscription-plan?plan=free-trial" class="button primary" data-icon="rocket">Start a free trial</a>

Signing up creates a new domain with you as its Administrator.

## Pick how you want to run DRAGEN

All three options analyze the same data with the same DRAGEN pipelines. They differ in who supplies the compute.

| Option            | Who supplies the compute | Good first choice if                                                             | Guide                                                                           |
| ----------------- | ------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Platform Core     | Illumina                 | You want FPGA results without infrastructure, and you prefer apps.               | [Platform Core](/dragen-v4.6/getting-started/quickstart/platform-core.md)       |
| Cloud FPGA on AWS | You, in your AWS account | You need FPGA speed in your AWS account, and you prefer the CLI.                 | [Cloud FPGA on AWS](/dragen-v4.6/getting-started/quickstart/cloud-fpga-byol.md) |
| Software Mode     | You, on any CPU hardware | You already own CPU clusters or generic cloud instances, and you prefer the CLI. | [Software Mode](/dragen-v4.6/getting-started/quickstart/software-mode-byol.md)  |

If you are new to DRAGEN, start with Platform Core. It has the fewest prerequisites and needs nothing installed.

## Explore deployments in DRAGEN - Getting Started

After you sign in, open the **DRAGEN - Getting Started** app from the Illumina BioInsight Platform home page, or go to [app.dragen.illumina.com](https://app.dragen.illumina.com). Use the app to explore the deployment options and to download DRAGEN v4.6 software for Cloud FPGA on AWS and Software Mode. The app can also give you a download link, so you can fetch the software directly on the node where you wish to install it.

For licensing rates and credit usage by deployment, see [DRAGEN Pricing and Licensing](/dragen-v4.6/reference/licensing.md).

## What happens after the trial

Two paid options are available when the trial ends:

* **Pay-As-You-Go** bills monthly based on usage, with no upfront commitment.
* **Savings Plan** gives a volume discount for a 1-, 3-, or 5-year credit commitment.

Contact [Illumina Sales](https://www.illumina.com/company/contact-us.html#/sales) if you need help exploring options.


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