# Getting Started

This section details the requirements and local registry setup needed to install a [SMCP](https://platform9.com/docs/PEC/glossary#SMCP) Management Plane.

The [SMCP](https://platform9.com/docs/PEC/glossary#SMCP) Management Plane is a component of the Platform9 Self Managed Cloud Platform (SMCP) platform that provides management and control for the SMCP cluster. It is responsible for tasks such as provisioning nodes, deploying applications, and managing the cluster's resources.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.platform9.com/self-managed-cloud-platform/5.12/platform9-host-components/pre-installation-information.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.