What is the recommended method to manage configurations for production deployment without SiteSync?

The recommended method to manage configurations for production deployment without SiteSync is to modify the WebConfig file with Auto storageMode and ReadOnlyConfigFile settings. This approach effectively allows you to handle and secure your configuration settings directly within the WebConfig, ensuring that changes can be made without requiring direct access to the Sitefinity backend.

By utilizing Auto storageMode, the system can automatically manage configuration data and handle any necessary updates related to configuration settings. The ReadOnlyConfigFile setting ensures that the configuration can be read from the WebConfig but prevents unauthorized modifications, making it a secure and streamlined option for production environments.

The other choices present alternative methods, but they may not provide the same level of integration and security in managing configurations directly within Sitefinity's architecture. For example, using the Sitefinity cloud deployment option might be unsuitable if you are specifically looking to avoid SiteSync, while manually creating databases or employing third-party deployment tools could introduce complexities and risks that are best managed through the built-in configuration options provided by Sitefinity.