High-Performance Low-Code: a Buyer's Guide to LCAPs

In the ever-evolving landscape of custom software development, the rise of low-code platforms has introduced a revolutionary way to accelerate and simplify the creation of applications. Traditionally seen as tools for business users or “citizen developers” aiming to build quick, single-use apps, low-code platforms have now evolved into high-performance solutions capable of developing sophisticated, enterprise-grade, mission-critical applications. This evolution marks a significant shift in how organisations approach software development, emphasising speed, scalability, security, and agility.

What is High-Performance Low-Code?

High-performance low-code is a groundbreaking approach to custom software development. Unlike traditional low-code platforms, which are often limited to simple applications, high-performance low-code enables the creation of complex, strategic, and mission-critical applications. It combines professional-grade visual development tools with integrated automation for the entire software development lifecycle, including continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, governance for large development teams, and cloud-native infrastructure.

This advanced approach allows development teams to deliver applications of any complexity, ensuring they can be updated and adapted as business and technological requirements evolve. Security is paramount, with high-performance low-code providing end-to-end protection from design to runtime. Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation further streamline deployment cycles, ensuring rapid and reliable delivery of applications that can scale to meet the most demanding conditions.

?

Differentiating High-Performance from Entry-Level Low-Code

The distinction between high-performance and entry-level low-code platforms lies in their capabilities. High-performance low-code offers unparalleled power, agility, security, and scalability, making it suitable for enterprise-level custom software development.

Power

Entry-level low-code platforms increase productivity by limiting development capabilities. In contrast, high-performance low-code imposes no limitations, empowering developers to build a wide range of applications, from high-scale, mission-critical web and mobile apps to internal workgroup apps and automated workflows. Like traditional tools and frameworks, developers retain full control over their work.

Agility

While all low-code platforms boost productivity, many don’t offer the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) capability. High-performance low-code platforms have built-in tools, automation, and AI to accelerate the entire SDLC. They integrate seamlessly with existing SDLC infrastructure and enable efficient code reuse across multiple applications, ensuring rapid delivery and updates from version 1 to version 100.

Security

Security is a critical concern for enterprise applications. Most low-code platforms offer basic security features, suitable for internal applications. High-performance low-code, however, provides comprehensive, enterprise-grade security and governance, applying stringent policies and practices from traditional development to the low-code environment. This ensures applications are secure throughout their lifecycle, protecting valuable data and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

Scalability

Scalability is another area where high-performance low-code platforms excel. While entry-level platforms may support internal, workgroup-style applications, high-performance low-code is designed for internet-scale applications. It supports hundreds of millions of users, enables geographic distribution of apps, and ensures reliability and availability for mission-critical applications. The cloud-native infrastructure allows for automatic scaling, maintaining performance under extreme conditions.

?

Evaluating Low-Code Platforms: Key Considerations

When assessing low-code platforms for custom software development, it’s essential to determine whether they meet the criteria for high performance. Here are the key features and capabilities to look for:

• Power: Look for platforms offering world-class user experiences, full-stack control, and the ability to deploy anywhere. Ensure they support developing various app types, provide reusable code, and integrate with traditional code libraries.
• Agility: Choose platforms with integrated DevOps and AI-based automation, standardised code output, and one-click publishing. They should offer tools to reduce technical debt and improve code reusability across large enterprise portfolios.
• Security: Ensure the platform provides zero-trust governance, built-in security checks, AI-based code analysis, and disaster recovery capabilities. It should integrate with enterprise security scanning tools and proactively mitigate risks.
• Scalability: Select platforms with true cloud-native architecture, optimised for containers, and capable of auto-scaling. They should support deployments across multiple data centres, maintain uptime during updates, and accommodate thousands of concurrent developers.

?

Why Choose OutSystems for High-Performance Low-Code

OutSystems stands out as a leader in high-performance low-code platforms. Built from the ground up to support strategic, mission-critical applications, OutSystems combines professional-grade visual development tools with integrated CI/CD automation, comprehensive governance, and cloud-native infrastructure. This enables organisations to rapidly build secure, resilient applications that can scale to meet the demands of the business.

With OutSystems, businesses can confidently say “Yes” to any development request, knowing they have the power, agility, security, and scalability required to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.

If you’re ready to transform your custom software development approach, contact us today to learn how PhoenixDX and OutSystems can help you achieve your goals.