Enterprises today are looking for smarter, faster, and more agile ways to develop applications. And this is precisely where Low-Code/No-Code (LCNC platforms) are carving out their niche, acting as a bridge between tech-savvy developers and those with limited technical prowess. With such platforms, the dream of democratizing software development is becoming a reality.
“Democratizing application development makes enterprises more agile, because it lets business users contribute to solutions that meet their needs,” said Shafqat Azim, ISG partner and Americas lead, Digital Transformation.
“By relying less on specialized IT teams, they can get software into production faster.”
Introduction to LCNC in Enterprises
The recent ISG Provider Lens™ report sheds light on the rapidly growing interest in LCNC platforms. Both enterprises and service providers have begun to recognize the potential these tools bring in expediting application development tasks.
The Impact of LCNC on Development and Roles
LCNC platforms not only ensure quicker market deployment but also open the doors to a broader spectrum of roles in the development process. These platforms, leveraging intuitive drag-and-drop techniques, have instigated a surge in citizen developers – non-technical employees creating applications without the traditional hurdles.
AI’s Growing Role in LCNC Platforms
An intriguing highlight from the report is the synergistic relationship between AI and LCNC. As platform providers continue to innovate, many are employing AI and generative AI to introduce features that further hasten the software-to-market journey. Jan Erik Aase, partner and global leader at ISG Provider Lens Research, notes, “AI-based platforms make it so much easier to build applications that the number of users is growing exponentially. We expect this trend to grow across multiple use cases.”
Industries Leading in LCNC Adoption
Financial services, business services, and manufacturing emerge as frontrunners in LCNC adoption. Meanwhile, public sector organizations, which have historically been slower in adoption, are now beginning to show interest, seeking vendors to craft platforms tailored to their needs.
Challenges: Data Integration and Management
While LCNC platforms enable a broader user base to develop software, they also bring challenges. The chief among these is data integration and management. With various users accessing organizational data, IT teams must be vigilant, ensuring controlled data access. Thankfully, LCNC vendors are stepping up, introducing data access controls interlaced with virtualized data layers.
Highlights from the ISG Provider Lens Report
The 2023 ISG Provider Lens™ report evaluates multiple providers, recognizing leaders in the quadrant like Airtable, Appian, and Microsoft, among others. Rising stars, identified as those with promising portfolios and high future potential, include GeneXus (Globant) and Kissflow.
For a deeper dive into the ever-evolving world of application development, be sure to explore the ISG Provider Lens™ Focal Points briefing.
Conclusion
The continuous growth of LCNC platforms is undeniable. As businesses aim for agility, speed, and inclusivity in software development, LCNC tools stand out as a beacon of transformative potential. As AI continues to augment these platforms, the possibilities seem endless. What are your thoughts on LCNC platforms and their role in the future of software development? Drop your insights in the comments below – let’s foster a lively conversation on this game-changing trend!
