Low-code development platforms are getting increasingly popular now, especially after the onset of the COVID-19. Many enterprises are looking for low-code solutions or platforms to accelerate app development in-house, support ongoing digital changes, and simplify DevOps.
A significant fact about low-code development is that all low-code platforms do not offer similar capabilities. These platforms enable development in different categories. Some focus on mobile and web app development, some on data integration, some on data visualization, and some on automation. Only a few low-code providers offer multiple advanced capabilities, and the rest provide a single-type solution or capability.
This situation leads to organizations, big or small, wondering which would be the best low-code development platform for their business. Do they go for low-code, out-of-the-box solutions, or do they need to go for development platforms to create their own apps?
This article discusses five important factors to consider while adopting low-code app development.
- Consider Multiple Use Cases
It is important to evaluate multiple use cases and app development needs during the research and testing period. Assess the types of apps you want to create for workflow capabilities, customer experiences, data requirements, and so forth. Always try to acquire information about a low-code platform’s capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, and scope. Know what the platform can do or cannot do easily.
Do not choose a platform that works well for one use case as the business needs evolve or change over time. Compare multiple use cases to select a platform that would be beneficial in the future as well.
- Evaluate Customer Satisfaction & Reviews
While it is easy to find numerous positive reviews for every platform, search for reviews by long-standing customers with specific feedback. Some companies just market their offerings, benefits, customers, and developers whereas others share customer satisfaction reports. More established platforms offering enterprise-ready app development may appear in analysts’ reports, such as the Gartner Magic Quadrant or Forrester Waves.
Check customer feedback that specifies about delivering fantastic customer experiences, or amazing developers with advanced capabilities, or providing long-term value for businesses. Such feedback would help to choose the best app development platform.
- Specify Target Developers
While low-code platforms mean minimal coding, it does imply the requirement of some coding skills. Some platforms are tools for developers and require specific software development skills. Some platforms are designed for citizen developers, where subject matter experts or business analysts, or any employee with some technical knowledge can develop apps.
It is vital to specify who in the organization will design, build, and maintain the apps. Engage the target developers in the selection process to ensure their interest in learning and using the platform to support business needs.
- Define Use and Pricing
The pricing models of low-code platforms differ with each provider. Some providers offer end-user pricing where you will pay for the usage or the number of apps users. Some offer multiple, single solutions to be purchased separately, while some base the pricing on the development scale metrics, such as the number of development or apps. Few others have pricing tiers based on platform capabilities.
The most important thing is to understand and define business requirements and end-state development to choose the ideal pricing model. Consider all financial factors if wanting to develop a total cost of ownership. Or, consider development productivity, robust capabilities, and superior end-user experiences rather than just considering the price.
- Prioritize Data Integration
Apps should integrate seamlessly with enterprise systems, cloud storage, databases, APIs, and third-party sources for maximum productivity. No enterprise can afford to develop apps in silos. It is especially true for organizations planning for machine learning models or building IoT (Internet-of-Things) data pipelines.
All low-code platforms provide APIs, but the scope of performance, maintenance, and support differ considerably. Go for low-code platforms that offer extensive data integration with simple or easy maintenance. Review what types of triggers and actions each platform supports in the data integration landscape.
Neutrinos — Offering the Best App Development Low-Code Platform
Neutrinos, a low-code, Multi-experience development platform, enables professional and citizen developers to rapidly build advanced mobile and web apps with limited coding. The Neutrinos Platform with new-age AI (Artificial Intelligence) capabilities empowers enterprises to create Omnichannel to enhance customer experience and customize products and services across all industries.
Neutrinos featured in the 2021 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Multi-Experience Development Platforms. Check out how Neutrinos made it into the MQ here.
Learn more about the features and benefits of the Neutrinos Low-Code Platform here