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Low code application development platforms are revolutionizing how organizations can build software quickly with minimal hand-coding. According to recent Forrester research, the low code platforms market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 31% from 2017 to 2022, reaching $21 billion.
So what makes low code so appealing? These visual development environments greatly accelerate delivery while enabling more robust applications. And increased productivity doesn’t mean sacrificing quality – low code apps meet enterprise standards for security, scalability and integration capabilities.
Benefits of Low Code Development
Low code platforms provide faster and easier app delivery along with other key advantages:
Speed – Low code developers can create apps 5 to 10 times faster than traditional coding in languages like Java or .NET, through visual modeling and configuration instead of writing lines of complex code. Apps can be built in days/weeks rather than months/years.
Productivity – Studies show low code platforms increase developer productivity by at least 10X. More apps can be delivered with fewer coding resources. Citizens developers also expand capacity.
Efficiency – Greatly reduces project budget and timelines by cutting comprehensive coding and lengthy development cycles. Apps cost at least 60% less compared to custom solutions.
Simplicity – Intuitive “drag and drop” interfaces enable accelerated development without specialized programming skills. Apps can be built by pro developers, business analysts and power users.
Quality – Generated code meets enterprise standards. Integrated components and automated compliance checks support robust, reliable applications.
Flexibility – Deploy to web, mobile, desktop and integrate with any system. Cloud-native platforms provide infinite scalability on-demand.
Top 11 Low Code Platforms for Rapid Application Development
Here are the top platforms companies are leveraging today for low code development along with their key capabilities:
1. Visual LANSA
Visual LANSA is an award-winning low code platform that speeds delivery of web, mobile and desktop apps. Optimized for enterprise development, it‘s highly scalable and integrates seamlessly with existing systems.
Key Features:
- Single visual environment for full application lifecycle
- Out-of-the-box templates and reusable components
- Deploy to cloud, mobile, desktop
- Robust data integration and process automation
- Enterprise-grade security, compliance and governance
2. Zoho Creator
Zoho Creator is a flexible platform empowering businesses to easily build custom web and mobile apps tailored to their unique processes.
Key Features:
- Intuitive drag and drop interface
- 2500+ built-in components
- Rapid multi-platform deployment
- Smooth integration with 100+ business apps
- Scalable on-demand
3. Caspio
Caspio is an intuitive cloud platform for building data-driven web apps without coding. User friendly for non-technical users while offering advanced customization capabilities.
Key Features:
- Visually create feature-rich database apps
- Connect to 100+ data sources
- Embed apps or launch as standalone
- App templates for common use cases
- Enterprise-level security and compliance
4. Xpoda
Xpoda empowers teams to transform business processes into flexible apps rapidly. It combines powerful low code capabilities with built-in intelligent document processing.
Key Features:
- Rapid development of custom web and mobile apps
- Drag and drop workflows and forms
- Connect to data sources and legacy systems
- Integrated AI to automate document flows
- Available on desktop and mobile devices
5. Softr
Softr is an intuitive, light-weight low-code SaaS platform for automating workflows and processes. Great for non-technical users to develop custom apps.
Key Features:
- Browser-based, no download required
- Build mobile forms, workflows and web apps
- Simple integration with popular productivity tools
- Real-time database view and point-and-click report builder
- Role-based access control for security
6. Simplifier
Simplifier enables rapid development of IoT and mobile device apps without programming expertise. Pre-built components help accelerate development.
Key Features:
- Fast multi-platform mobile app generation
- Drag and drop design editor
- Libraries of reusable components
- Live app preview during building
- Back-end module for device connectivity
7. PMG
PMG is a cloud-based low code platform catered for business users rather than technical developers. Minimal coding skills required.
Key Features:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop design canvas
- Build web and mobile apps, portals, workflows
- Connect to data sources, REST APIs
- PMG Glass for single-view access to all apps
- Active community of low code users
8. BP Logix
BP Logix lets users rapidly build, deploy and update business apps with little reliance on IT. Extensible without coding via blueprint model.
Key Features:
- Web-based modeling for full application lifecycle
- No coding requirements
- Fast ROI with accelerated build and change cycles
- Secure cloud or on-premises deployment
- Over 50 pre-built application templates
9. Webcon
WEBCON BPS is an advanced rapid application development platform optimized for business process automation and case management.
Key Features:
- Model even highly complex processes visually
- In-built connectors to major enterprise systems
- Seamlessly embed apps into Sharepoint and custom portals
- Automate based on business rules and data changes
- Flexible web and mobile access
10. Appery
Appery is an open-source, cloud-based platform for developing web, hybrid and mobile applications using a visual editor and backend services.
Key Features:
- Create multi experience apps fast
- 5000+ UI components and themes
- Built-in or custom database integration
- Single shared logic across web, iOS and Android
- API connector to add any service or plugin
Other Top Solutions:
OutSystems, Appian, KiSSFLOW, Quickbase
Evaluating Low Code Development Platforms
With increasing options, here are key considerations when researching your shortlist:
App requirements – Assess low code capabilities based on your primary app scope – web, mobile, process, database or portal apps. Also factor complexity needs.
Ease of use – The platform should align to team skills without overly technical coding demands to maximize productivity.
Deployment flexibility – Determine must-have deployment methods – public/private cloud, hybrid, on-premises, offline mobile apps.
Security & compliance – Validate built-in and customizable security, governance and controls to meet internal and regulatory policies.
Scalability & performance – Large data volumes, user counts and usage spikes require planning for elastic scalability. Test for response times under load.
Customization options – While low code accelerates delivery, apps may require tailored extensions, 3rd party service integration and specialty components. Review extensibility options through open architecture, plugins and APIs.
IT roadmap alignment – Strategize how low code development synergizes with or replaces existing frameworks over time based on organizational capabilities maturation.
TCO value – The total cost can fluctuate substantially across vendors and tiers. Confirm adequate allowance for development seats, production deployments and data storage based on long-term roadmap.
Evaluating platforms upfront and strategically will maximize the technology value and business benefits realized.
Getting Started with Low Code
Here are initial steps to launch your low-code program for faster app delivery:
1. Identify business priorities – Catalog application demand and process pain points to tackle first. Capture must-have versus nice-to-have features.
2. Set developer personas & skills – Determine who will build – pro developers, business analysts, power users. Assess current and needed competencies.
3. Select target platform – Research leading low code vendors to align with requirements, use cases and resources at the best TCO.
4. Start small then scale – Run a project pilot to test the platform while establishing best practices before broader rollout.
5. Formalize governance – Institute lifecycle policies early for security, testing, support and enhancements to manage portfolio growth.
6. Continually optimize – Refine roles, processes and technology usage through application and metric tracking to maximize productivity gains.
Careful planning and governance foundations will drive consistency, innovation and accelerated outcomes as your low code program expands across the enterprise.
Overcoming Low Code Development Challenges
While low code simplifies and expedites application delivery, the approach still comes with common pitfalls to mitigate:
App sprawl – The ease of development can lead to too many apps built too fast without viability confirmation or lifecycle management causing subpar solutions.
Security gaps – Rapid development may overlook vulnerabilities and non-compliance if governance policies aren’t automated and enforced.
Legacy constraints – Custom plugins, outdated frameworks and siloed systems can limit portability and integration complexity with low code apps.
Change resistance – Some developers, IT staff and business users struggle trusting or adopting low code given ingrained coding-first mindsets.
Platform limitations – Vendor products have sweet spots along with functional gaps that may necessitate traditional coding or multiple platforms.
With training, governance andcheckpoints in place, organizations can counteract these adoption barriers for impactful outcomes from low code development initiatives.
The bottom line – low code application platforms are enterprise-ready to deliver better apps faster to every corner of your business. Simplify development and infuse agility at scale through visual modeling instead of excessive hand-coding. After seeing the results firsthand through targeted pilots, teams are eager to onboard and ideate new innovations.
Does low code development have your interest? What questions do you still have on capabilities or getting started? Let’s discuss where it can make the biggest difference for your organization.