Ory offers two primary methods for managing user authentication and permissions: the Ory Network and self-hosted Ory Open Source. The Ory Network is a globally distributed infrastructure providing a comprehensive suite of services and APIs, such as login and OAuth2, with additional features like security compliance, user interfaces, and advanced analytics, making it an all-in-one solution for businesses. It ensures continuous updates, support, and cost savings through economies of scale, offering a more convenient and professional option than self-hosting. On the other hand, self-hosting involves utilizing the Ory Open Source stack to build custom authentication systems, requiring more in-depth security knowledge and infrastructure management. While self-hosting offers flexibility and learning opportunities, it often results in higher costs and requires significant time investment in setup, maintenance, and upgrades. Ory Network provides advantages like automatic updates, multi-regional deployments, and significant cost savings, making it a preferred choice for businesses looking to streamline their identity and access management solutions efficiently.