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Summary
Organizations that spend significantly on cloud testing platforms like SauceLabs, BrowserStack, and LambdaTest should consider insourcing test automation execution to their existing Kubernetes infrastructure. Insourcing involves moving many test executions from these cloud testing platforms to on-premise infrastructure.
Testkube serves as a local orchestration platform, seamlessly triggering test automation tools within the organization’s Kubernetes infrastructure. Testkube can still trigger unique tests, such as real device testing, which only these clouds can provide. However, the combination of Testkube and an organization’s Kubernetes infrastructure might allow most of the automated testing to be moved in-house. Insourcing testing with Testkube has strategic, business, and QA benefits for an organization.
Background
Cloud testing platforms like SauceLabs, BrowserStack, and LambdaTest, have gained popularity by offering an all-in-one solution for running tests across multiple browser versions and real (or virtual) mobile devices. However, as the need for real device testing declines, many organizations are exploring alternative solutions that align with their DevOps strategies–essentially creating a Sauce Labs automated testing platform using an organization’s existing Kubernetes infrastructure.
Testkube is a cloud native test orchestration and execution platform deployed in the organization’s Kubernetes infrastructure. While there is some overlap between Testkube and cloud testing platforms, they serve different purposes depending on an organization's DevOps, CI/CD, and testing strategy. Rather than a strict "Testkube vs. Cloud Testing Platform" decision, organizations can integrate Testkube alongside these platforms or replace them entirely based on their specific needs.
When to Use Testkube as a Supplement or as a Replacement to Cloud Testing Platforms
Many DevOps teams adopt Testkube alongside or as a replacement for legacy cloud testing platforms due to its strategic, business, and QA advantages:
Strategic Advantages
- Kubernetes and Cloud Native Alignment
Testkube is built on cloud native principles and integrates seamlessly with GitOps, event-driven architectures, and Kubernetes-based workflows—ensuring a modern, scalable testing approach. - Shift-Left Testing Enablement
Developers gain the flexibility to define and trigger tests independently of the CI/CD pipeline. With Testkube, tests can be executed manually, on a schedule, in response to Kubernetes changes, or as part of a CI/CD build.
Business Advantages
- Cost Reduction and Security
By running test automation within Kubernetes infrastructure, organizations can reduce reliance on expensive cloud testing services while maintaining security and scalability. - Unified Test Reporting
Testkube provides a single pane of glass for managing all test executions, enabling engineering teams to retrieve results, artifacts, and logs from various test automation tools in one place—improving build quality, reducing costs, and accelerating time to market.
Quality Assurance Benefits
- Test Tool Agnosticism
As organizations shift left, developers can choose the best test automation tools for their needs. Testkube orchestrates and executes any testing tool at scale, eliminating vendor lock-in. This includes integration with platforms like Sauce Labs API, leveraging Postman for API testing, and as well as other testing tools to fit seamlessly into existing workflows. - Comprehensive End-to-End Testing
Testkube enables teams to build end-to-end test suites using a mix of test automation tools—including commercial tools, open-source solutions, and homegrown scripts—providing full flexibility in test execution.
Conclusion
Cloud testing platforms remain useful for teams that require standalone QA environments, real device testing, or a waterfall-style development process. However, for organizations adopting a cloud-native DevOps strategy, Testkube provides a cost-effective, secure, and scalable alternative—serving as both a complement or replacement to legacy cloud testing platforms.