# Distribute Python packages

You can distribute Python packages by using the Spotfire package (SPK) mechanism for either a Spotfire Server installation with a node manager running on Windows OS, or for a Spotfire Server installation running a node manager on a supported Linux OS.

- If your node manager is running on a Windows server, then you can create the SPK containing Python packages from a Windows computer. You can specify whether the packages are installed only on the node manager or are also distributed to installed Spotfire clients connected to the Spotfire Server.
- If your node manager is running on a Linux server, then you can do one of the following.
  - Use the provided Docker container and the SPK mechanism.
  - Create the SPK containing Python packages from the Linux computer that is running the node manager where the Spotfire Service for Python is installed. (This option requires login credentials to that computer.)

The following image shows the options for deciding the best way to distribute Python packages.

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