19APRIL 2024The challenges faced by companies regardless of size are wide range of skill-sets to consider(Figure 2), large developer/technical teams to manage, lack of available and appropriately skilled workforce in the market, difficult to onboard new developers, loss of project continuity due to lack or incomplete documentations, complicated backend systems, complicated integration between systems (legacy and new), concerns on security and compliance, not responsive enough to business changes, the list goes on.Figure 2 - ComplexityAutomating Solution DevelopmentWhat if the challenges that hinder innovation and backend technicalities could be hidden and automated? What if we could redirect our resources to streamline business processes and meet customers' needs instead? Picture an agile solution development environment with a team comprising of skilled developers, active stakeholder collaborations, creating highly adaptable solutions.Low-code platforms have been in the market for over 20 years. They have matured over the last five years to a point where industry players recognize their potential and value.Low-code technology embeds AI and machine learning within its framework. The public availability of generative artificial intelligence over the past months created much buzz and realization. The value, generative AI could contribute to low-code, is expected to be huge.Things to Look Out for in a Low-Code PlatformAt high level, these should be in your review when considering low-code development technology. The key word is "simplification".1. Single and comprehensive IDE (Integrated Development Environment) applicationa. All you need for your solution development from integration, data, logic, user interface, and workflow, can be defined in a single development environment.b. Real-time solution quality and security advisories during development ensure robust solution creation from the get-go.c. Marketplace for reusable, open code modules, connectors, UI components, and business solutions help accelerate solution delivery.2. An extension of your solution development team and IT infrastructurea. Flexibility to deploy development platform on premise or on cloud.b. Customizable (on premise) for end user, or commercial solution development.c. Single solution builds cross-platform delivery (omni-channel).3. Generate industry standard assets, non-proprietary stack (no lock-in).a. Industry standard code.b. Industry standard database.4. Comprehensive and simplified billing model (transparent, no hidden costs).Figure 3 ­ StreamliningStart InnovatingLow-code (and no-code) is here to stay, enabling end-user to accelerate solution development. When we are enabled, we see opportunities in otherwise challenging situations. Let our imagination soar and start innovating.
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