The power of low-code platforms for software and IT app development

In August 2023, Amazon announced their plans to discontinue their Honeycode app building service from early 2024 onwards. This decision sparked several editors and social media contributors to bring back to the forefront the opportunities, challenges and options businesses have available to them for app development to help streamline their operations.

In today's ever evolving and fast paced digital landscape, businesses more than ever require an innovative and streamlined approach to their business apps. With changes in business working models and more hybrid working environments now the new norm, the businesses that are poised to thrive the most are the ones that are agile in their thinking and their ability to streamline their systems, create automation and integrate their internal tech stacks to create greater efficiencies.

In recent years especially, no-code and low-code development platforms have become increasingly popular, offering a way to enable both technical and non-technical users to quickly build powerful applications. In this blog, we'll explore the power of low-code platforms over traditional and no-code options and the benefits they offer.

What exactly is a low-code development platform?

A low-code development platform is a software package that allows developers and non-developers alike to build applications using visual modelling and configuration, rather than traditional programming methods. Low-code platforms offer an intuitive, drag-and-drop interface that simplifies the app development process, enabling even those with limited technical expertise to build powerful, yet still customisable applications. By simplifying app development, low-code platforms allow businesses to build apps quickly, yet still offering flexibility where required.

The benefits of low-code development platforms:

• Efficiency and productivity gains: Low-code development platforms increase efficiency in app development by enabling multiple teams to work on apps simultaneously. By offering easy-to-use development tools, developers can spend less time on complex coding, freeing up time for other tasks. This efficiency results in reduced development time, increased productivity and ultimately cost savings.
  

• Increased flexibility: Low-code platforms offer more flexibility than traditional development methods by providing a range of out-of-the-box app templates and modules that can be modified to suit each organisation's specific needs. This enables businesses to make changes to apps on the fly and improve workflows without requiring coding expertise. Low-code platforms are very agile, providing businesses with the flexibility to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances rapidly.
  

• Easier maintenance and upkeep: Low-code platforms offer seamless updates and maintenance, reducing the need for extensive troubleshooting or de-bugging and provide a smoother end-user experience. When updates need to be made, developers can modify or update the app without having to recreate the entire application from scratch, and in most instances they are not required to take it offline while it's being worked on.
  

• Improved collaboration: Low-code platforms encourage more extensive collaboration between developers and other team members, allowing the business to develop apps that meet their target user's needs. By involving other stakeholders in the development process, businesses can create more effective apps, reducing the likelihood of the app being underused.

Choosing between low-code and no-code development

When choosing between low-code and no-code development platforms, companies need to consider their specific needs and available resources carefully. Non-technical users with little or no coding knowledge will appreciate no-code platforms, while building customised, scalable apps that meet complex workflows typically require low-code development platforms. Regardless of the choice, choosing the right platform ensures businesses can deliver high-quality apps quickly, efficiently and without exploiting too much technical expertise.

Microsoft Power Apps platform for agile app development

One of the leading low-code development platforms in the market today is available through the Microsoft Power Apps platform. Offering an intuitive visual development environment, the platform provides the tools necessary to build, test, and deploy rich modern app experiences. Using Power Apps, businesses can streamline app development workflows, enhance collaboration and reduce development costs.

Additional benefits available through the Microsoft Power Apps platform include:

· Empower your team with efficient app-building tools for any device using drag-and-drop design.

· Develop integrated data points for developers to create fully streamlined and automated IT processes across your company.

· Optimise a wide variety of business processes by creating digital apps, forms and templates, tailored for specific tasks unique to your organisation’s needs.

Low-code development platforms are continuing to gain traction over traditional and no-code programming options, offering a more efficient and flexible approach to app development.

By providing visual modelling and configuration tools for building apps, businesses can develop their applications faster and with greater agility. The benefits of low-code platforms, including increased collaboration, reduced development time and enhanced flexibility, are crucial to businesses looking to remain competitive in the current digital landscape.

If you are keen to find out more and to see if the Microsoft Power Apps platform is a suitable option for your business, please don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange a time for a one on one chat with one of our specialist consultants - click here to book your session now.