Supabase

Supabase is the best-known open-source alternative to Firebase. At its core is a fully-fledged PostgreSQL database, which Supabase supplements with automatically generated APIs, real-time subscriptions, user authentication and file storage. This provides developers with a complete backend without sacrificing the strengths of Postgres: SQL, transactions, extensions and full control over the data model. With Managed Supabase Hosting, you run this platform on your own infrastructure in Switzerland – rather than in a US provider’s cloud.

Who is Supabase suitable for?

Supabase is ideal for agencies and development teams that build web and mobile apps for clients and need a robust, standards-based backend – from client portals and booking tools to internal specialist applications. SMEs with in-house software development teams also benefit: those who already have in-house SQL expertise will find working with Supabase much more familiar than with proprietary NoSQL services. For organisations handling sensitive data – such as trust companies, law firms or medical practices planning to set up client or patient portals – the self-hosted option is particularly appealing, as the database is not hosted by a foreign cloud service provider.

Supabase hosting in Switzerland

OpenHosting operates your Supabase instance in Swiss data centres in the Zurich region. Your PostgreSQL database and all user data therefore remain in Switzerland, and the service is nDSG-compliant – a clear advantage over the official Supabase Cloud, which does not offer a Swiss region. The managed service covers everything that would otherwise be a burden on your IT department: updates and security patches, ongoing monitoring, and daily backups following the 3-2-1 principle (hourly on the Business plan). If you have any questions or need help migrating an existing database – for example, from Firebase or your own Postgres installation – the support team is on hand to help. Managed Supabase Hosting starts from CHF 19/month with 50 GB of storage and email support; the Business plan offers 250 GB of storage, hourly backups and priority support. As Supabase is open source, there are no licence fees and you remain independent at all times: your data is stored in a standard Postgres database, which can be exported and reused as required.