The Sync Gateway 3.0 release introduces a new modular, cluster-aware configuration approach that replaces the previous node-level JSON file-based method. This updated system enhances the configuration workflow by allowing Sync Gateway nodes to be bootstrapped with a JSON-formatted configuration file, while subsequent configurations are managed via a RESTful interface. The centralized persistent configuration enables secure, remote administration and ensures that any database configuration changes made through the REST API are automatically propagated to relevant nodes within the cluster, surviving any restarts. This new model supports dynamic management of access control, user management, and database configurations, allowing for a more flexible and scalable setup. Additionally, the concept of database config groups is introduced to tailor database configurations to specific subsets of nodes, offering more granular control in multi-node setups. The legacy configuration model remains supported, providing continuity for existing setups.