> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/private-cloud/ionos-private-cloud/getting-started/first-steps.md).

# IONOS Private Cloud: First Steps

This article explains the steps you must take after setting up your IONOS Private Cloud to use it.

To use your IONOS Private Cloud, the following steps are required:

1. Log in to your [<mark style="color:blue;">IONOS CLOUD account</mark>](https://dcd.ionos.com).
2. In the [<mark style="color:blue;">**Data Center Designer (DCD)**</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#data-center-designer-dcd), go to **Menu** > **Private Cloud** > **Login**.
3. Log in to the [<mark style="color:blue;">Cloud Panel</mark>](https://cloudpanel.ionos.de/login) with your credentials.
4. Click in the product overview on the **Menu > Server & Cloud**. The Cloud Panel then opens.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Optional:** If you have more than one contract, select the desired Server & Cloud contract.
{% endhint %}

5. Install [<mark style="color:blue;">OpenVPN (Microsoft Windows and Linux)</mark>](/cloud/private-cloud/ionos-private-cloud/getting-started/install-and-configure-openvpn.md) or [<mark style="color:blue;">Tunnelblick (macOS)</mark>](/cloud/private-cloud/ionos-private-cloud/getting-started/establish-vpn-connection-to-the-private-cloud-with-tunnelblick-macos.md) on your local computer.
6. Set up a [<mark style="color:blue;">VPN connection to your IONOS Private Cloud</mark>](/cloud/private-cloud/ionos-private-cloud/general-information.md).
7. From the Cloud Panel, open the [<mark style="color:blue;">vSphere Client</mark>](/cloud/private-cloud/ionos-private-cloud/administration/open-vsphere-client.md) or the [<mark style="color:blue;">VMware NSX-T™ Data Center</mark>](/cloud/private-cloud/ionos-private-cloud/administration/open-nsx-manager.md).


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