According to the latest forecast from Gartner, Inc., the worldwide market for low-code development technologies is projected to total $26.9 billion in 2023, marking an increase of 19.6% from 2022.
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
| Low-Code Application Platforms (LCAP) | 6,324 | 7,968 | 9,960 | 12,351 |
| Business Process Automation (BPA) | 2,416 | 2,585 | 2,761 | 2,940 |
| Multiexperience Development Platforms (MDXP) | 2,081 | 2,508 | 2,999 | 3,563 |
| Robotic Process Automation (RPA) | 2,350 | 2,892 | 3,401 | 3,879 |
| Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) | 4,680 | 5,668 | 6,668 | 7,838 |
| Citizen Automation and Development Platforms (CADP) | 554 | 732 | 953 | 1,232 |
| Other Low-Code Development (LCD) Technologies* | 92 | 109 | 126 | 146 |
| Total | 18,497 | 22,462 | 26,869 | 31,949 |
| *Other low-code development technologies include rapid mobile app development (RMAD) tools and rapid application development (RAD) tools. RAD tools are/were on-premises only and desktop-bound applications mainly. Low code is the evolution of RAD to cloud and SaaS models. | ||||
| Notes: Gartner defines a no-code application platform as an LCAP that only requires text entry for formulae or simple expressions. The LCAP market, therefore, includes no-code platforms. Furthermore, “no code” is not a sufficient criterion for tasks like citizen development, as many complex tooling configuration tasks are no code but still require specialist skills. Columns may not add to totals shown because of rounding. | ||||
Source: Gartner (December 2022)
This isn’t without good reason. Businesses constantly seek newer, faster ways to develop applications and streamline processes. Low Code / No Code (LCNC) Platforms enable users to build applications with no coding at all, using pre-built templates and drag-and-drop interfaces.
Simply put, they’re just the answer these businesses seek, simplifying the journey from idea to application.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the increasingly critical role of Low Code and No Code platforms in the enterprise software development sphere, and how businesses can unlock new levels of efficiency, innovation, and agility, positioning themselves for success in an ever-changing digital world.
The Business Case for Low Code / No Code Platforms
As we venture deeper into the 21st century, the landscape of enterprise software development continues to undergo a profound transformation. The business case for LCNC platforms is not just compelling; it reflects a fundamental shift in how businesses approach technology, innovation, and problem-solving.
This evolution has seen the change agents transition from software developers in the 90s to administrators in the 2000s, and now to no-code creators in the 2020s. Let’s explore this journey and understand why these platforms are more than a trend; they are a strategic imperative.
The Evolution of Software Development
In the 1990s, software development was a domain of the few, with specialized developers driving the change. Deployment timeframes stretched into years, and methodologies like PMBOK/PRINCE2 dominated, focusing heavily on documentation and formal processes.
Business functions were mostly relegated to approving documentation, and the R&D focus was on adding features to software products.
As we moved into the 2000s, the landscape began to shift. Administrators took the helm, shortening deployment timeframes to months and introducing more flexible and iterative methodologies like Agile SCRUM.
Businesses started to collaborate more closely on requirements and system acceptance. The focus of R&D moved towards capabilities, integrations, and extensibility, reflecting a broader view of what software could achieve.
Now, in the 2020s, we’re witnessing another paradigm shift. No-code creators, often business users themselves, are becoming the primary change agents. Deployment timeframes have shrunk dramatically to weeks or even days, thanks to no-code platforms.
The methodologies have evolved into no-code playbooks, which are more adaptive and user-centric. Business functions are now deeply involved, not just in designing and configuring but also in bringing ongoing change.
And the R&D focus has pivoted to developing components and visual no-code tools, emphasizing flexibility and user empowerment.
Making the Case for Adoption
1. Enhanced Productivity: Low Code / No Code platforms directly contribute to enhanced productivity. They allow a broader range of users to develop applications, reducing reliance on specialized developers and speeding up the development process. This means that ideas can move from conception to reality much faster than ever before.
2. Shortened Time to Market: With the ability to develop applications in days or weeks instead of months or years, businesses can respond to market changes rapidly. This agility provides a significant competitive edge, allowing companies to seize opportunities and address challenges swiftly.
3. Cost Reduction: Traditional software development is not only time-consuming but also costly. Low Code / No Code platforms reduce the need for extensive coding, which in turn lowers the cost of development. Moreover, by enabling non-technical users to contribute, they reduce the demand for expensive specialized resources.
4. Business Empowerment: In the 2020s, business users are not just passive recipients of technology but active creators. These platforms empower them to design, configure, and implement changes, leading to solutions that are more closely aligned with business needs and more readily adapted as those needs change.
5. Future-Proofing with R&D: As R&D focuses on components and visual no-code tools, businesses using these platforms are better positioned to leverage future technological advancements. They can integrate new components, adopt emerging technologies, and continually enhance their solutions with relative ease.
Key Features of Low Code / No Code Platforms: What to Look For
Software 2.0 is based on deep learning, where the developer will merely gather data to feed ML systems. The concept of interpretability does not matter for most domains (apart from some safety-sensitive ones) and the concept also seems to be more research-oriented in terms of R&D.
Low code / no code platforms transform enterprise software development by making it faster, more accessible, and flexible. As businesses seek tools that align with their evolving needs, it is crucial to understand the key features that define these platforms.
Let’s look at the broader attributes that any leading LCNC platform should possess, offering insights into how they can drive your business forward.
Among the myriad of options, OutSystems is recognized as one of the industry leaders, and hence serves as a benchmark for key features your LCNC platform must have.
Visual Development Environment
Source: Reports on evaluation of low-code development platforms | Fintan
What to Look For: A platform should offer a user-friendly visual interface allowing users to build applications via drag-and-drop components. This feature reduces development time and opens up app creation to a wider audience within your organization.
Key Action to Take: Evaluate how the platform’s interface can streamline your specific workflow. A good visual environment will align with your team’s skill level and project complexity.
Reusable Components and Templates
Source: Screen Templates – OutSystems 11 Documentation
What to Look For: Access to a library of pre-built elements and templates is essential. These components speed up the development process and ensure application consistency and quality.
Key Action to Take: Assess the variety and quality of available components. They should not only speed up development but also align with best practices and your business’s specific needs.
Advanced Integration Capabilities
Source: Integrating OutSystems with your ecosystem – OutSystems Best Practices
What to Look For: The platform should easily integrate with your existing systems, APIs, and services e.g. SOAP and REST APIs, ERPs such as SAP, and external databases. This connectivity ensures that the applications you develop can seamlessly become part of your technological ecosystem.
Key Action to Take: Map out your current systems and identify key integration points. Ensure the platform can support these integrations natively or through customizable options.
Scalability and Performance
What to Look For: As your business grows, your applications should too. The platform must maintain performance under increasing loads and support more complex operations as needed.
Key Action to Take: Plan for future growth. Test how well the platform can handle larger data volumes and more users than your current needs.
Mobile Development Capabilities
What to Look For: With the prevalence of mobile devices, the platform should offer robust mobile development features, allowing you to create responsive and efficient applications for various devices.
Key Action to Take: Consider your mobile user base and required functionalities. Ensure the platform can deliver a smooth and responsive user experience across all devices.
Security Features
What to Look For: Robust security protocols are non-negotiable. The platform should include built-in security features and comply with relevant industry standards to protect your data and applications.
Key Action to Take: Review the platform’s security certifications and compliance standards. Consider how its security features align with your industry’s regulations and your specific security needs.
Collaboration and Team Features
Source: The merge feature and team collaboration – OutSystems 11 Documentation
What to Look For: Development is often a team effort. The platform should support collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously and efficiently.
Key Action to Take: Evaluate how the platform’s collaboration features fit into your team’s workflow. Effective collaboration tools can significantly improve efficiency and project outcomes.
Continuous Deployment and DevOps Support
What to Look For: In a dynamic business environment, the ability to continuously deploy and update applications is critical. Look for platforms that support agile deployment cycles and integrate with existing DevOps tools.
Key Action to Take: Align the platform’s deployment capabilities with your release cycle. A good fit will allow for frequent updates and easy management of the application lifecycle.
Lifecycle Management
Source: Screen and Block Lifecycle Events – OutSystems 11 Documentation
What to Look For: Seek platforms that provide comprehensive support for the entire application lifecycle. This includes not just the initial development but also deployment, management, updates, and governance of applications. Effective lifecycle management tools ensure that applications remain current, functional, and secure throughout their usage.
Key Action to Take: Evaluate how the platform’s lifecycle management capabilities fit with your organization’s workflow. Look for features like collaboration tools, version control, DevOps, and CI/CD integration. Ensure the platform allows smooth transitions between development phases and supports your team’s methodology for maintaining and updating applications.
Artificial Intelligence
Source: Idevnews | OutSystems Brings AI, Updated Toolsets to Its Low-Code App Platform
What to Look For: Consider platforms that incorporate artificial intelligence to enhance the development process. AI can assist in various ways, from optimizing workflows to providing predictive analytics and automating complex tasks. Platforms utilizing AI can offer advanced capabilities for building smarter, more responsive applications.
Key Action to Take: Assess the AI capabilities of the platform and how they can benefit your specific development needs. Determine if the AI features support your objectives, such as improving software quality, accelerating development, or enabling new functionalities.
The Future of Low Code / No Code in Software Development: Strategic Next Steps for Businesses and Developers
As low code/no code platforms become increasingly integral to enterprise software development, businesses and developers alike must adapt and prepare for a future where these tools are at the forefront of innovation and efficiency.
However, some organizations still prefer to buy packaged solutions (to get 80% of their capabilities) vs. build custom solutions using development teams or tools to help with custom builds.
While they offer ease and initial cost savings, these one-size-fits-all solutions often lack the flexibility and specificity to meet unique business needs fully. This approach can lead to underutilization of features, dependency on vendors, integration challenges with existing systems, and missed opportunities for competitive advantage.
For Businesses
1. Embrace a Culture of Innovation: Encourage a culture where innovation is not just welcomed but expected. Empower your employees to explore low code/no code platforms to solve business problems, automate processes, and create new opportunities. Foster an environment where everyone, from IT to business analysts, feels confident contributing to digital solutions.
2. Invest in Training and Upskilling: As low code/no code platforms become more prevalent, investing in training and upskilling your workforce is essential. This doesn’t mean turning everyone into a developer but rather ensuring that your team understands the capabilities of these platforms and how they can be used to drive business goals.
3. Develop a Center of Excellence: Establish a low code/no code Center of Excellence (CoE) within your organization. This CoE would set best practices, provide guidance, and support projects across the organization, ensuring consistency, quality, and alignment with business objectives.
4. Prioritize Governance and Compliance: As you adopt low code/no code solutions, it’s crucial to maintain robust governance and compliance protocols. Ensure that your platforms meet industry standards, protect data, and allow for the kind of oversight necessary to maintain trust and integrity in your applications.
For Software Developers
1. Adapt and Expand Your Skill Set: While low code/no code platforms may reduce the need for traditional coding, they don’t eliminate the need for a deep understanding of systems, logic, and design. Developers should view these platforms as tools to expand their skill set, allowing them to focus on more complex and strategic tasks.
2. Embrace New Roles: The rise of low code/no code platforms may change the nature of development work. Developers might find themselves taking on roles that are more consultative or strategic, helping to guide non-technical users in building applications or focusing on system integration, architecture, and optimization.
3. Contribute to Platform Selection and Strategy: Developers have a critical role to play in selecting the right low code/no code platforms for their organizations. Their technical expertise is invaluable in assessing the capabilities, limitations, and strategic fit of different tools.
4. Lead by Example: Developers can lead the way in adopting and mastering low code/no code platforms, demonstrating their value and potential to the rest of the organization. By showcasing successful projects and sharing their knowledge, developers can help drive a broader organizational shift towards these tools.
Conclusion
The shift towards LCNC is not merely an alternative; it’s becoming the new standard, with significant implications for efficiency, innovation, and competitive edge.
The trajectory for LCNC platforms is unmistakably upward. Gartner predicts that by 2025, 70% of new applications developed by organizations will use low-code or no-code technologies, a dramatic increase from less than 25% in 2020. Moreover, the global low-code development platform market is expected to generate a revenue of $187.0 billion by 2030, surging from $10.3 billion in 2019 with a 31.1% CAGR during the forecast period (2020-2030).
These stats clearly indicate the integral role LCNC platforms are set to play in the future of enterprise software development. The journey into the future with LCNC platforms is just beginning, and it promises a world of opportunities for those ready to take the next step.
