Cloud is everywhere—but not all cloud solutions are created equal. For independent software vendors (ISVs) building media applications, understanding the difference between cloud-hosted and cloud-native is no longer optional. It directly affects how fast you innovate, how reliably you scale, and how well you meet the demands of global audiences in real time.
Cloud-Hosted Software: A Lift, Not a Leap
Cloud-hosted applications are typically legacy systems moved from on-premises servers into the cloud. They run in virtual machines that mimic old server setups—but they weren’t designed for the cloud’s dynamic nature.
- Scaling is possible, but clunky and resource-heavy.
- Updates often require downtime or manual intervention.
- Performance may lag under peak demand.
For ISVs, this means customers get a cloud “version,” but not the agility or elasticity they expect from modern SaaS platforms.
Cloud-Native Software: Built for Speed, Scale, and Innovation
Cloud-native applications are architected for the cloud from day one. They’re modular, elastic, and continuously evolving—perfect for the fast-paced world of media production and distribution.
Must-Have for Cloud-Native:
- Microservices and containers for modular, portable design.
- API-first approach for seamless integration.
- Elastic scaling to match real-time demand.
- CI/CD pipelines for rapid, zero-downtime updates.
Advanced Features for Next-Level Agility:
- Serverless and event-driven architecture for lightweight, scalable workflows.
- Async communication channels for faster responsiveness.
- Optimized for AI and multicloud deployments to support evolving workloads.
For media software developers, cloud-native means better performance, resilience, and the ability to innovate faster—whether you’re streaming live events or automating post-production with AI.
Why Starting Cloud-Native Is Easier (and Smarter)
When building new apps, starting cloud-native avoids the baggage of legacy systems:
- No monolithic lock-in—design for modularity and automation.
- Choose modern frameworks and cloud services from the start.
- Reach market faster with a true SaaS experience.
- Build for sustainability and cost-efficiency with observability baked in.
For ISVs, this translates to shorter development cycles, scalable deployments, and happier customers.
Can Legacy Apps Be Modernized?
Absolutely—but it’s a journey, not a switch. A staged migration reduces risk and preserves continuity:
- Lift-and-shift to cloud-hosted infrastructure.
- Refactor monolithic components into microservices.
- Adopt containers and orchestration tools like Kubernetes.
- Implement CI/CD for automated testing and deployment.
- Integrate AI and observability for smarter workflows.
This approach allows ISVs to modernize incrementally—without disrupting current users or blowing up budgets.
Why It Matters More Than Ever
The difference between cloud-hosted and cloud-native isn’t just technical—it’s strategic.
| Feature | Cloud-Hosted | Cloud-Native |
|---|---|---|
|
Scalability |
Limited and manual |
Elastic and automated |
|
Updates |
Slow, often with downtime |
Continuous and seamless |
|
Innovation |
Constrained by legacy |
Enabled by modular design |
|
Cost Efficiency |
Higher due to overprovisioning |
Optimized with real-time scaling |
|
AI Readiness |
Minimal |
Built-in support for AI workloads |
Customers now expect the performance, reliability, and agility that only cloud-native can deliver. For ISVs, the choice is clear: patch the past—or build the future.
How Xperity Leads the Way
At Xperity, we help media software companies thrive in the cloud-native era:
- AI-assisted development and our proprietary Xperity Synthesis Framework (XSF) accelerate delivery by 30–40%.
- Global engineering teams (onshore, nearshore, offshore) provide the right skills at the right scale.
- Multicloud and hybrid expertise ensures flexibility, redundancy, and compliance across platforms.
Whether you’re building new cloud-native products or modernizing legacy platforms over time, Xperity helps ISVs deliver the elasticity, performance, and user experience today’s media customers demand.
Cloud-native isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation for innovation in 2025. For media software developers, it’s the difference between keeping pace with the industry or being left behind. With Xperity, you’re not just moving to the cloud—you’re moving forward.
Contact Xperity to help you innovate today!
