QGIS, an open-source desktop GIS application, is being complemented by cloud-native platforms like CARTO to address challenges such as working with large datasets, data silos, high skills barriers, and static outputs. Cloud-native solutions offer interoperability, scalability, data security, democratization & collaboration benefits, which can enhance collaboration within teams and with external partners. A hybrid approach combining QGIS for data preparation and geometry editing with CARTO for scalable analytics and visualization can provide a comprehensive and efficient geospatial tech stack. By leveraging cloud-native platforms like CARTO, users can overcome challenges associated with traditional desktop GIS applications like QGIS.