In the previous part of the Low-Code / No-Code Platform blog series, we discussed why CXOs are getting increasingly interested in the low-code development platforms. In this part, we will bring you deeper insights on the benefits of using low-code platforms for rapid application development.
In the realm of application development, low-code and no-code platforms are now being seen as the future of SaaS applications and SaaS application development and open doors to an array of benefits. These include:
Faster Time to Market
The biggest benefit low-code and no-code platforms bring to the table is faster time-to-market. Pre-built templates and simple drag-and-drop features make it easy for anyone and everyone to quickly spin up innovative apps, thus leading to extremely short development time.
Because these platforms require little or no coding experience, they enable custom application development as well as new features and changes to be developed, deployed, and delivered in the quickest time possible.
Better Collaboration
Low-code and no-code platforms play a huge role in bridging the growing communication gap between departments and teams. Since business users across all levels and roles can create new apps, the technology abolishes the communication barrier caused by intricate code – creating a far more collaborative work environment.
Such collaboration often leads to the development of solutions that are more likely to suit the business’s real needs and requirements while incorporating customer feedback and variations in competitive dynamics and market trends in almost real-time.
Improved Flexibility
Low-code and no-code platforms are also known to deliver much-needed flexibility in responding to new trends and requirements. Unlike OOTB apps that only offer a specified handful of features these platforms help in introducing new features – offering high levels of flexibility.
Since the development time is shortened, it is far easier to design multiple solutions and cater to evolving disruptions and needs of the industry. Organizations no longer have to spend time or effort developing apps or workflows from scratch and can simply make use of new-age templates to introduce new changes and updates.
Enhanced Scalability
Given how volatile the business landscape is, organizations need to be prepared to cater to the peaks and troughs in demand. Low-code and no-code solutions allow for quick response to demand fluctuations with their rapid application development tools and capabilities.
Since various components can be added and updated as needed, organizations can grow their business as the demand for their products grows – without having to hire, train, and retain qualified developers.
What are the Key Factors to Consider while Embracing Low-Code and No-Code Platforms?
Going the low-code/no-code way can bring numerous benefits to the table. But given the variety of platforms available in the market today, it is important to do research to zero in on the right platform. Here are the top factors to consider while embracing low-code and no-code platforms:
Use Cases
Investing in low-code development platforms is a great way to fill the skills gap, improve software quality, and accelerate time-to-market. But you still need to identify the best use cases where the technology can deliver the best results while accelerating the software development process.
Evaluating the technology against different application types, workflows, and data requirements is important to evaluate strengths and weaknesses and arrive at a decent and achievable scope.
Ease of Integration
Regardless of how elegantly and efficiently the low-code platform has been designed, it can deliver the intended benefits only if it allows for ease of integration. Choosing a low-code development platform that offers new-age connectors and APIs and seamlessly integrates with your ecosystem of legacy and modern tools and systems is the only way you can easily and seamlessly build and deploy apps across your enterprise’s tech infrastructure.
Security and Compliance
Given how complex and evolving the business environment is, the low-code/no-code platform you choose should adhere to necessary security and compliance requirements. Leveraging a platform that works as per established security practices and compliance controls will go a long way in strengthening the quality and robustness of the applications you develop while also giving your business and users peace of mind in knowing data is protected 24/7.
Intelligent Automation
Although low-code platforms have shorter software development time estimation and reduce development time through easy drag-and-drop components, they should also enable intelligent automation. Automation of complex tasks can further save precious time while allowing experts to focus on analyzing trends and predicting the impact strategic and tactical changes will have on the overall performance of your app.
Scalability
If you want your applications to keep pace with emerging trends and requirements, you need to be able to drive uninterrupted scalability. Therefore, while on the lookout for the perfect low-code development platform, choose one whose suite of software and services can grow with your business. A robust and scalable platform that allows your business to evolve organically without disruption will go a long way in driving the results you need.
Mobile-Readiness
Any app you develop today needs to be mobile-friendly. Therefore, the low-code platform you choose should be mobile-ready, so you can easily increase efficiency and accuracy across your development operations. A platform that supports mobility will go a long way in meeting the needs of your users while offering consistent performance and functionality across devices, channels, and touchpoints.
Analytics and Reporting
The low-code platform you choose should also work on the principles of continuous improvement. Having a tool with built-in analytics and reporting capabilities can enable you to monitor key performance metrics, so you can devote your time and effort to overcoming bottlenecks and driving greater returns from your low-code investment.
Xoriant brings CloudIO - an application development and integration accelerator that drives enterprise digital transformation initiatives with prebuilt solutions, delivering immediate business value. With its low-code framework, CloudIO deploys quickly, boosting user productivity, while maximizing legacy system investments with best-in-class and evolving technologies.
Check out our related PDF: Application Development
Embrace accelerated application development using low-code / no-code platform