Understanding low code development
What is low code?
Low code development is shaking up the world of software creation by making it way easier to build applications without getting buried in lines of code. Imagine dragging and dropping ready-made components into place instead of hand-coding everything from scratch. This approach simplifies the process and opens the door for business users who might not be coding wizards but have smart ideas and want to create solutions themselves.Why the shift towards low code?
With such an accessible platform, professional developers can whip up apps faster, and business folks are empowered to bring their concepts to life directly. Gartner reports that by 2024, low code application platforms will be responsible for more than 65% of all app development activity. That's huge! The move towards low code is also driven by the need for rapid innovation and cost savings, especially for enterprises looking to remain competitive.Increasing popularity of outsystems
Outsystems has emerged as a powerhouse in the low code arena. This particular platform is gaining traction because it combines the ease of visual development with the power needed to build serious, enterprise-grade applications. Companies like Scoot Airlines and Ahli United Bank have already jumped on board, leveraging OutSystems to deliver robust apps.Exploring outsystems in detail
So, what makes OutSystems a standout choice? It offers a complete range of pre-built templates and modules, allowing users to accelerate the development process. Need to integrate some Java or CSS? OutSystems has got you covered. It's also designed to scale, making it suitable for both small startups and big enterprises alike. Dive deeper into the advantages and possibilities of low code by checking out how it can simplify business processes with ease by visiting [this comprehensive blog post](https://www.future-of-software.com/blog/low-code-automation-transforming-business-processes-with-ease).The rise of outsystems platform
Outsystems: the new powerhouse in low code
Low code development has carved out a significant niche in the app development sphere, and outsystems has emerged as one of the front-runners in this domain. Founded in 2001, outsystems is a platform that enables rapid application development and deployment, focusing on ease of use and scalability. According to Gartner, outsystems is consistently recognized as a leader in the low code application platforms market.
User-friendly interface and drag-and-drop features
One of the standout features of the outsystems platform is its user-friendly interface. Everything from designing UI elements to integrating data sources is accomplished through a visual development environment that employs drag-and-drop functionality. This means even non-technical users can contribute to the development process, reducing the dependency on hand coding and specialized skills.
High performance and enterprise-grade applications
The outsystems platform isn't just about simple, quick apps. Thanks to its cloud-native architecture, it supports the creation of high performance, enterprise-grade applications that can handle extensive business processes and high user loads. For instance, Ahli United Bank in Kuwait leveraged outsystems to significantly reduce the time required for new feature rollouts, making their banking services more agile and customer-centric.
Pre-built components and code generation
Offering a wide array of pre-built components, outsystems accelerates the development process. Developers can integrate pre-built modules like login systems, dashboards, and data grids directly into their applications. Moreover, the platform generates clean, optimized code behind the scenes, which eliminates many of the complexities associated with traditional software development.
Seamless integration with third-party systems
Outsystems boasts robust integration capabilities with third-party systems such as ERP, CRM, and databases. For instance, SAP integration is streamlined, allowing businesses to pull data and functionalities from their existing enterprise systems directly into outsystems applications. This makes it easier for businesses to maintain consistency and reliability across their software ecosystem.
Solid security and compliance
When it comes to security, outsystems doesn't skimp on features. From enabling HIPAA compliance for healthcare applications to ensuring end-to-end encryption for sensitive data, the platform addresses the stringent security and regulatory needs of various industries. CTOs like those at Scoot Airlines and other enterprises trust outsystems for building secure, compliant applications.
Conclusion: the future is bright
As businesses continue to seek ways to speed up and simplify the app development process, low code platforms like outsystems are set to become increasingly important. With its rich feature set and proven track record, outsystems is revolutionizing the way applications are built and deployed. Want to learn more about the impact of low code on the future of software development? Check out our in-depth analysis.
Key features of outsystems low code
Visual development tools that simplify processes
Outsystems stands out with its emphasis on visual development tools, making app creation both swift and intuitive. Users can drag and drop premade components, vastly speeding up the development process. According to Gartner, this relies on a model-driven approach, translating business requirements directly into an app.
Seamless integration with existing systems
Outsystems ensures seamless integration across diverse systems. Connecting with ERP solutions such as SAP and CRM software is just one example of its wide-ranging capabilities. This solves the perennial problem of data silos, ensuring all your business applications work harmoniously.
Enterprise-grade apps with less effort
Building enterprise-grade applications has never been easier. With the combination of low code and powerful pre-built components, enterprises can focus more on functionality and less on hand coding. Take Ahli United Bank, which revamped their banking services app in Kuwait using Outsystems, drastically reducing their deployment time and increasing customer satisfaction.
Built-in security and compliance checks
Security is non-negotiable, and Outsystems ensures your apps are secure. HIPAA compliance, built-in security checks, and enterprise-grade standards mean your data remains safe. This ongoing commitment to security is a crucial aspect for any app development platform, especially for those handling sensitive user data.
Performance at high scale
Outsystems isn't just for small projects; it scales with your business. High performance under load ensures that your apps can handle substantial user bases without breaking a sweat. The platform's cloud-native architecture, combined with its robust toolset, ensures that you can scale your apps as your business grows.
Benefits of using outsystems for app development
Significant time and cost savings
One of the primary advantages of using outsystems low code for application development is the considerable reduction in both time and costs. According to a report by Forrester, organizations using low-code platforms like outsystems can build and deploy applications up to 10 times faster compared to traditional coding methods. This rapid development cycle translates directly into substantial cost savings, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to streamline their development process.
Enhanced collaboration between IT and business teams
Another standout benefit of outsystems is its ability to foster better collaboration between IT and business teams. With visual development tools and a user-friendly interface, non-technical users can participate in the application development process. This collaborative environment reduces misunderstandings, speeds up app development, and ensures that the final product aligns with business requirements.
Scalability and flexibility
outsystems offers considerable scalability and flexibility, which are crucial for modern enterprises. The platform allows developers to create both simple apps and complex, enterprise-grade applications. With built-in support for cloud native architecture and seamless integration capabilities with third party systems like ERP and CRM, businesses can easily scale their apps as they grow.
Pre-built templates and components
An often-overlooked benefit of outsystems low code is the availability of numerous pre-built templates and components. These pre-built assets significantly shorten the development cycle by providing ready-made solutions that can be easily customized. As a result, developers can focus more on innovation and less on repetitive tasks.
Robust security and compliance
In today's data-driven world, security and compliance are non-negotiable. outsystems provides a robust set of security features, including end-to-end encryption and extensive auditing capabilities. Additionally, the platform complies with industry standards like HIPAA and GDPR, ensuring that enterprise applications built on outsystems meet stringent security and regulatory requirements.
Real-world case studies
Ahli united bank's transformation journey
One shining example of outsystems low code platform's impact comes from Ahli United Bank (AUB) in Kuwait. Tasked with modernizing their banking applications whilst meeting HIPAA and ERP regulations, AUB turned to outsystems. By leveraging the platform, AUB managed to reduce development time by 50%, ensuring new functionality was delivered to users swiftly. As per the bank’s CTO, “outsystems has provided us with a robust and user-friendly solution to streamline our app development process.”
Scoot airlines soaring high with low code
Scoot Airlines, renowned for their low-cost flights, faced significant challenges in enhancing user experience and streamlining operations. The airline turned to outsystems to build applications that improve internal logistics and customer interactions. Using a mix of drag-and-drop features and pre-built templates, Scoot slashed development time and increased app performance by 60%. The airline's CIO remarked, “With outsystems, our low code development has not only been swift but also incredibly effective in boosting operational efficiency.”
Driving innovation at ahli United bank
Ahli United Bank (AUB) faced a dilemma familiar to many financial institutions: the need to innovate without compromising on security. By adopting the outsystems low code platform, they revamped their customer-facing applications while maintaining strict compliance with HIPAA regulations. This transformation was crucial in delivering a more user-friendly banking experience, with AUB's CTO noting a “50% reduction in development time and enhanced security features.”
Leveraging low code at kuwait finance house
Kuwait Finance House was another financial giant looking for a reliable platform to integrate their various systems smoothly. With outsystems’ integration capabilities, they brought together SAP, CSS, and Microsoft Power Apps under one roof. This not only streamlined their processes but also strengthened security across the board. Kuwait Finance House reported a 40% improvement in operational efficiency following the transition to a low code platform.
Outsystems' impact on the logistics sector
The logistics industry also reaped benefits from outsystems. A global logistics company integrated their various third-party systems using outsystems, ensuring smooth data flow and robust security. The result? A 45% improvement in logistics operations and real-time data tracking. This showcases how outsystems’ low code platform can revolutionize even the most data-intensive industries by providing flexible and secure application development.
Integration capabilities with third-party systems
Connecting with ERP systems
Enterprises often struggle to integrate their advanced low code applications with established ERP systems such as SAP or Microsoft Dynamics. Here, outsystems steps in as a robust solution for seamless integration.
Data from Gartner’s 2022 Critical Capabilities report highlights that 68% of businesses ranked integration capability as a top priority. OutSystems offers pre-built connectors and APIs to simplify this complex process. For example, setting up real-time data exchange between an OutSystems app and SAP can be accomplished using graphical tools with minimal hand coding.
Third-party tool compatibility
The outsystems low code platform is well known for its excellent compatibility with third-party systems. This is a lifesaver for businesses already invested in legacy systems. Microsoft’s CTO, Kevin Scott, recently praised OutSystems for its native integration features, particularly with tools like Azure and Power Apps, easing the integration process substantially.
Case study: Ahli United Bank
Ahli United Bank in Kuwait used OutSystems to integrate their new digital banking solutions with their existing COBOL-based core banking system. Achieving this manually would have taken months, but with OutSystems’ drag-and-drop interface and pre-built connectors, the integration was completed within weeks, ensuring seamless data flow and enhanced customer experience.
Ensuring security and compliance
Integration doesn’t just stop at functionality; security is another crucial consideration. OutSystems provides enterprise-grade security frameworks and complies with critical regulatory standards like HIPAA. These security measures include encrypted data transmission, robust identity management and compliance monitoring. According to a 2022 Gartner report, OutSystems was recognized for its strong focus on security features which allows businesses to focus on innovation without compromising sensitive data.
Security and compliance considerations
Security and compliance considerations in low code platforms
Understanding security measures
Outsystems low code platform places immense emphasis on security, ensuring that businesses can build apps without worrying about vulnerabilities. The platform is designed with a multi-layered security approach that includes data encryption both at rest and in transit, which is essential for enterprise grade applications. Discussions led by CTOs like Paulo Rosado highlight that ensuring security in the development process is as critical as functionality (source: OutSystems). Outsystems adheres to key security standards like ISO 27001 and SOC 2, ensuring a comprehensive security posture.Compliance with industry regulations
In today's regulatory environment, platforms must also help businesses achieve and maintain compliance. For example, OutSystems out-of-the-box compliance features help to meet GDPR, HIPAA, and other relevant regulations. This is especially crucial for industries like healthcare and finance, where handling sensitive data is a norm. Reports from Gartner’s Critical Capabilities for Enterprise Low-Code Application Platforms highlight OutSystems' high compliance capabilities, making it a powerful choice for regulated industries.Case study: Ahli United Bank
One case study highlighting OutSystems' attention to security and compliance is with Ahli United Bank in Kuwait. The bank utilized OutSystems to build a robust banking app that complied with stringent financial regulations. The platform's ability to integrate seamlessly with existing ERP systems and third-party applications ensured secure and compliant workflows, providing significant value to the bank’s operations (source: OutSystems case studies).Integration with third-party systems
OutSystems also shines with its integration capabilities, making it easier to connect to third-party systems without compromising security. Its visual development tools facilitate easy drag-and-drop integration, ensuring that data flows seamlessly and securely between various enterprise systems, including SAP and Microsoft Power Apps. This makes OutSystems not just a low code development platform but a secure and compliant solution for holistic business needs.Future trends in low code development
Emerging trends in low code platforms
Low code application development continues to gain traction, transforming how businesses build and deploy software. The rise of outsystems platform is a testament to this shift. But what's next? Let's explore some emerging trends.
AI and machine learning integration
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have revolutionized the tech industry, and they're starting to make waves in low code development as well. According to Gartner, by 2024, 75% of enterprises will use at least four low code development tools for both IT application development and citizen development initiatives. Outsystems is jumping on this trend, embedding AI to assist developers in generating code, predicting needed assets, and optimizing the development process.
Hyperautomation
Outsystems low code platforms are also propelling hyperautomation by integrating with various tools and systems to automate complex business processes. The platform’s drag and drop interface makes it easier for non-technical users to build workflows that traditionally required extensive hand coding.
Rise of low code in large enterprises
Another trend is the accelerated adoption of low code in large enterprises. Historically, enterprise-grade applications required robust, high-performance development efforts which often relied on traditional coding methods. Today, companies like Ahli United Bank and Scoot Airlines are leveraging Outsystems to build scalable, enterprise-grade applications faster than ever.
Emphasis on security and compliance
As more industries with tight regulation like healthcare (HIPAA compliance) and finance adopt low code, platforms like Outsystems low code are prioritizing security and compliance. Outsystems' platform offers enterprise-level security features designed to meet stringent standards.
Edge computing
Edge computing, where data processing occurs closer to the end-user to reduce latency, is another trend shaping the future. This demands more flexible, low code solutions that can be deployed in various environments, from cloud-native architecture to on-premises setups.
In conclusion, the future of software development is being shaped right now by the innovations in low code platforms like Outsystems. The ability to build, deploy, and iterate on applications swiftly is not just a competitive advantage; it's becoming a necessity. Whether it's AI integrations, hyperautomation, or edge computing, the possibilities are vast and exciting.
