Once a Zoho Zia Agent has been built, configured, and tested, the next step is deployment. Zoho provides two deployment pathways depending on how you want the agent to operate within your systems and alongside your users.

Deployment Method 1: Deploy Using a Connection

This is the standard deployment pathway. It connects the agent to the services it needs to operate, using authenticated service connections you control. Follow these steps:

1. Access the Deploy dropdown. Navigate to the agent's details page and open the Deploy menu.
2. Review parameter mappings. In the Tools Param Mapping panel, check and adjust parameter source types (Model-driven, On-Trigger, or Constant) as required for the production environment.
3. Select target services and portals. Choose which Zoho services the agent will interact with during deployment.
4. Establish or select connections. For each required service, either create a new connection or select an existing authenticated connection.
5. Complete deployment. Confirm the configuration and finalise the deployment.

Deployment Method 2: Deploy as a Digital Employee

This method allows the agent to function as an independent user within Zoho products, with its own identity, access permissions, and role within your organisation. The digital employee deployment is rolling out in phases and may have limited availability across services at this time.

To deploy as a digital employee:

1. Select the target product. Choose the Zoho product where the digital employee will operate.
2. Grant authorisation. Provide the necessary permissions for the agent to act within that product.
3. Confirm applications and portals. Specify the applications and portals the digital employee will access.
4. Define roles and permissions. Assign an appropriate role that reflects the scope of actions the agent is permitted to perform.
5. Provide agent identity details. Give the digital employee a name and email address so it appears as a named user within Zoho products.
6. Review and finalise. Check the deployment summary and confirm to complete the process.

After Deployment

Once deployed, the agent can be connected to user-facing channels including ChatKit, Cliq, and WhatsApp. You can monitor performance through the Observability tab, and manage versions to track configuration changes or roll back to a previous state if required.