Within the vf-OS project, a common approach is taken for the deployment of computing resources and data models. As such vf-OS represents a modern approach to the software middleware layer, specifically aimed at the manufacturing domain. The approach consists of "Docker"-based microservices, orchestrated through common REST services. Because of the domain, special attention is given to the challenge of running resources OnPremise versus purely InCloud, and the challenges of letting such heterogeneous environments work together. As this environment poses challenges for the development process of applications, a novel approach to the development of such applications is needed. In this paper, this approach is described. During the vf-OS project, experience will be obtained, validating this approach.