The cloud revolution has transformed how businesses deploy, scale, and manage data streaming solutions. While Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) cloud models are often used interchangeably in marketing, their distinctions have significant implications for operational efficiency, cost, and scalability. In the context of data streaming around Apache Kafka and Flink, understanding these differences and recognizing common misconceptions—such as the overuse of the term “serverless”—can help you make an informed decision. Additionally, the emergence of Bring Your Own Cloud (BYOC) offers yet another option, providing organizations with enhanced control and flexibility in their cloud environments.

The Data Streaming Landscape: Kafka, Flink, Cloud, and More

The Data Streaming Landscape 2025 highlights how data streaming has evolved into a key software category, moving from niche adoption to a fundamental part of modern data architecture.