Low-Code Platform: Accelerating the Speed of Digitalization

We literally built things five different ways for about three months. Good news is that two dropped off quickly but we did build three different ways with three different platforms for a couple months. In the end, we selected OutSystems for three main reasons:

a. Worked: We could not ‘break it,’ never had to go outside the platform and custom-code even on mobile apps, and the team velocity and output was between 5x and 10x traditional methods.

b. Quality: The performance of the .NET and SQL code that was generated was amazing—far faster than anything we could hand-code and the built-in best practices was like cloning your very best developer.

c. No Lock-In: OutSystems was unique in that we own all the code that is generated from the platform and did not require a license to run. Thus, if we decided to part ways with OutSystems, we could still run all of the apps that we had created to date.

3. What are some of the points of discussion that go on in your leadership panel? What are the strategic points that you go by to steer the company forward?

Continuing to focus on the real-world results of our first low-code initiatives and team is quite compelling. In smaller companies, I am experiencing up to 10x value for investment. In large enterprises, I am experiencing at least 4x values for investment. Further, that applies proportionally to time-to-market as well … 10x and 4x faster time-to-market with small and large companies respectively. Lastly, the continuing shift to ‘API-first and ‘SaaS as a preference,’ is a common topic as we adjust our mindset to embrace new platform operation options. For example, we discuss the benefits of a vendor SaaS including ‘zero-effort upgrades’ where upgrades to operating systems, databases, and low-code platforms are done almost invisibly to our business and tech teams not only drastically reducing labor but more importantly resulting in a much more dependable platform that feels more like we are plugging into and electrical outlet rather than running a huge complex technology factory.

4. How do you see the evolution of the Low Code space a few years from now with regard to some of its potential disruptions and transformations?

We are without a doubt at a tipping point with low-code. As mentioned in question above, Gartner’s 2024 prediction is solid. Actually, outside of the U.S. my observation is the industry will reach their prediction earlier in perhaps late 2021 or 2022. Outside the U.S. the ratio between “drive for outcomes” vs. “regulatory constraints” tends to favor outcomes more so than in the U.S. Thus, the reason for my prediction is that non-U.S. low-code adoption will outpace the U.S. low-code adoption. Lastly, low-code platforms will continue to embed AI within their platforms and evolve their SaaS options further driving the distance between low-code and hand-coding hitting a veritable escape velocity for low-code as well as no-code platforms. Hand-coding simply cannot catch up and will be reserved for very unique edge-cases OR for creating low-code platforms. My advice to young software engineers is to either join a platform company creating low/ no code solutions or lean into automated software engineering with low/no code.

5. What would be the single piece of advice that you could impart to a fellow or aspiring professional in your field, looking to embark on a similar venture or professional journey along the lines of your service and area of expertise?

Run Don’t Walk. Do not take another job or promotion where low-code is unwelcome. Two years ago, I interviewed at my current employer and inquired of the C-suite execs if they would be open to such ideas as low-code. Innocently I asked “… do you think we would be open to robots generating code and designers working from pre-built templates and components?” They seemed open minded and curious to learn more. I ended the thread with “… okay, great to hear and to be transparent if the company is not ready for such transformation, please do not offer me the job as this is a prerequisite for my career move.” I have tasted the sweet nectar of low-code and simply will never go back. Well, they offered me the opportunity and have spent the past two years as an ‘intrepreneur’ transforming from the inside out. So, my single advice is this: RUN DON’T WALK into low-code, it will transform your business, career, and frankly your job satisfaction and life.