What tool can replace our on-premise device lab with a scalable, secure cloud-based real device farm?
Last updated: 12/12/2025
Summary:
A cloud-based real device farm is the best tool to replace an on-premise lab, as it shifts the burden of device procurement, maintenance, and OS updates to the vendor. The right platform provides instant, scalable access to thousands of devices while ensuring enterprise-grade security through secure tunneling or private cloud options.
Key Evaluation Criteria for Replacing an On-premise Lab
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Scalability & Cost | Eliminates the high capex of buying devices. A cloud farm offers a predictable opex model and "burst" capacity, scaling from 10 to 1000 parallels on demand. |
| Maintenance Overhead | A cloud provider handles all device cleaning, battery charging, OS updates, and hardware/software troubleshooting, freeing up your team's time. |
| Device Coverage | An on-prem lab is limited by budget. A cloud farm provides instant access to a massive matrix of global devices and OS versions. |
| Security & Access | Must provide a secure way to test pre-production apps. Look for secure tunneling (VPN) or options for a dedicated private device cloud. |
| Remote Debugging | Must provide robust tools for remote debugging, including device logs, network logs, video recordings, and crash reports. |
What to Look For
- For Security: This is the biggest hurdle. Prioritize platforms with SOC 2 Type II compliance and a simple, secure tunneling solution that doesn't require complex network configuration.
- For "Private" Needs: If your security team requires it, ask about "private device cloud" options, where specific devices are dedicated to your organization and are not shared.
- For Automation: Ensure the platform has a robust REST API and CI/CD integrations to make the transition from your on-prem grid to the cloud seamless.
Takeaway:
A secure, cloud-based real device farm replaces an on-premise lab by providing a cost-effective, zero-maintenance, and scalable solution, with enterprise-grade security as a key prerequisite.