How to overcome the challenges of modernization with low code/no code

Software development is a tedious process requiring domain-level expertise and right technical skills. In an era of rapid cloud adoption, time is of the essence and innovation cannot be held at ransom, waiting for the right talent and processes to fall into place. This makes the playing field perfect for innovations such as low code/no code platforms (LC/NC), which balances the need for rapid digital transformation with limited developer resources. As the name implies, this is a technology where “citizen developers”, i.e., non-technical business users can create simple web or mobile applications using a visual drag-and-drop approach instead of writing code – known as the no-code (NC) approach. With the low-code (LC) approach, while developers can build most of the application by using the visual drag-and-drop components, it is also possible to code and customize to include some of the non-available or complex features. 

Low code/No Code solves modernization challenges

Modernization of the legacy way of doing things is an existential pursuit but it comes with its challenges of high costs, complex IT ecosystems, and lack of talent. LC/NC offers many ways to overcome all the challenges presented by modernization and change the dynamics of the IT industry.

By empowering non-technical users to develop applications that can solve business problems, LC/NC platforms democratize software development, thus improving the organization’s performance as dependency on the IT support system is reduced. 

LC/NC paired with technologies such as AI and robotic process automation (RPA) can support the hyper-automation of business processes by building custom applications that collect and manage granular enterprise data. 

Many large SaaS providers offer low-code no-code development tools, which makes LC/NC a very attractive option to build applications, particularly for businesses that do not have the necessary IT talent and are looking for rapid developments to meet market needs.

LC/NC has many advantages but is not free from risks

LC/NC development can be done with minimal coding and needs basic development experience especially using low code approach. Applications are built using visual development tools like drag-and-drop modelers, pre-built components, and/or little customization, thus reducing the development time. Based on the business needs, an LC/NC platform can facilitate modeling, integration, testing, and deployment of web and mobile applications, thereby reducing overall lifecycle management time even further. It facilitates better collaboration between business and IT and reduces dependency on experts and shorter feedback cycles.

The use of LC/NC lowers the total cost of ownership (TCO) by keeping development costs low and providing a better financial risk/return profile.

However, LC/NC is exposed to risks such as uncontrolled app proliferation, where employees work on application development without the knowledge of the IT department and with inadequate or no governance or guard rails, making it perilous. Secondly, business users are usually not familiar with the best practices that developers typically follow, creating unwanted risks. The lack of policies that govern the standardization of software development practices and processes is another area of concern that organizations must consider. 

Making LC/NC work to your advantage

We suggest the following best practices to reduce risks and maximize the benefits of LC/NC platforms:

Choose an appropriate platform and secure it

LC NC platforms may have different pricing models, such as per user (internal and external are priced differently), and/or per application. Evaluate the pricing model of each of the platforms to determine the most suitable and cost-effective one for your organization from total cost ownership. Next, install security features and train the developers in inculcating good security practices. 

Establish an LCNC CoE for governance 

Software development requires standardized processes and best practices that developers, including citizen developers, must follow. We recommend creating an LC/NC Center of Excellence (CoE) that can define development best practices, governance guidelines, strategy for users, and license management, among other critical things. The CoE must establish standardization in app design, development, testing, deployment, and management. Development in silos must be strongly discouraged.

Empower the business users

Organizations must impart the necessary skills to business users to enable them to become skilled citizen developers. They must be encouraged to think creatively and develop the ability to take some amount of risk. A policy must be defined to regulate the work of citizen developers so that their work is aligned with the requirements of the organization and the law. 

LC/NC is just one among many tools

LC/NC cannot and should not be considered replacements for development challenges. But using it can help an enterprise simplify and shorten many stages within software development. Mass adoption of this technology speeds up the autonomy within an IT-governed framework and helps an enterprise in its path toward agile transformation and modernization.

The article has been written by Gautam Khanna, Vice President and Global Head - Modernization Practice, Infosys