What is Mendix Cloud?

Mendix Cloud is a managed platform designed to help businesses deploy, scale and maintain applications without the complexities of managing their own cloud infrastructure. Built on Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the world’s top cloud providers, it simplifies the process so organizations can focus more on the content of their applications rather than the technical details of hosting.

Why did Mendix build their own cloud?

The creation of Mendix Cloud aligns with the company’s vision of low-code development: Make better software, faster. By managing infrastructure and automating the deployment process, Mendix reduces the effort and time it takes for companies to go live with their applications. This means businesses avoid delays that traditionally come with setting up and maintaining hosting environments.

Why should you opt for Mendix Cloud?

Key advantages of Mendix Cloud are:

  • Time to Market

    For businesses aiming to get their apps live as quickly as possible, Mendix Cloud offers one-click deployment, making it easier to go from development to production.

  • Reduced Complexity

    With everything from backups to monitoring handled by Mendix Cloud, organizations don’t have to invest time in managing the technical side of their hosting infrastructure. This can save internal teams from being overburdened with maintenance tasks, allowing them to focus on app development and optimization, with the added benefit of having all metrics available out-of-the-box.

  • Predictable Costs

    Mendix Cloud’s pricing is structured as a flat rate, providing predictability for businesses. While similar to other cloud providers like AWS and Microsoft Azure in terms of base costs, Mendix Cloud includes the added benefit of managing infrastructure, which could save additional time and resources for some organizations.

Or not?

Considerations and limitations

Mendix offers flexibility, allowing customers to deploy on various cloud options: Mendix Cloud, Private Cloud (Azure, AWS, Red Hat OpenShift), SAP BTP, Kubernetes, or on-premises. While Mendix Cloud provides clear benefits, it may not fit every use case. Here are a few things to consider:

  • Niche requirements

    Organizations that need very specific hosting configurations, such as local access to data or direct database interaction, might find Mendix Cloud limiting. For example, Mendix Cloud does not allow direct database access; instead, it requires access via APIs, which might not suit all needs. Additionally, industries with complex Internet of Things (IoT) applications or manufacturing setups may require more specialized cloud solutions.

  • Not ideal for every industry

    Certain sectors, like banking, may have strict data security regulations that prevent them from fully embracing public cloud hosting. In such cases, a hybrid deployment or private cloud option might be more appropriate, both of which are offered by Mendix as alternatives. However, these can be more complex and time-consuming to set up.

  • Data and security concerns

    While Mendix Cloud takes security seriously, offering certifications, security monitoring, and built-in governance, the fact that it runs on AWS might be a concern for some organizations. Certain businesses, particularly those with sensitive data, may hesitate to host their information on third-party platforms like AWS, even if robust security measures are in place.

  • Integration requirements and legacy systems

    Connecting Mendix Cloud to on-premise systems can be challenging, especially for older or custom-built setups. While Mendix supports integration through APIs and connectors, real-time data flows between cloud and on-premise systems might face delays or network issues. For smoother integration, companies may need to consider Private Cloud or hybrid options to keep systems closer together and reduce these hurdles.

Cybersecurity & data protection

Data security is a priority for Mendix Cloud, and the platform includes features like web application firewalls, automatic updates, and security monitoring. Mendix adheres to strict security standards, regularly conducting audits and certifications. Moreover, Mendix Cloud supports governance and data locality requirements, which helps businesses comply with regional regulations.

However, security concerns aren’t unique to Mendix Cloud. If an organization were to host its own applications, the burden of security would fall entirely on them. With Mendix Cloud, the responsibility is shared, and Mendix’s security team ensures the cloud environment is continuously monitored and protected.

More info on this can be found here.

So, is Mendix Cloud the right choice?

Mendix Cloud provides a streamlined, scalable, and secure environment for deploying applications, making it particularly appealing for organizations that prioritize fast time to market and minimal operational overhead. By handling the complexities of cloud infrastructure, Mendix allows businesses to focus on what matters most: building and optimizing their applications.

That said, Mendix Cloud is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Certain industries or use-cases may require more specialized hosting environments. For these organizations, Mendix’s hybrid or private cloud deployment options might be a better fit.

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