What's Under the LowCode Umbrella

LowCode, or NoCode are buzz words that we hear often. And with most words, it often has different meaning to different people. I spoke in a previous blog about coding has always been on an evolution to simpler code (aka LowCode). But the more common understanding of lowCode is actually LowCode platforms, that add their own software as an interpretation layer, converting NoCode UI actions, or simplified code into proCode.

Power Platform is a great example, Power Automate uses its UI to create a JSON, which azure then converts into pro code to run on ist servers. Power Apps convert Power FX and pre built components into standard web technologies like html, css and javascript.

Yet as with everything, there are many layers to this onion, and as the market grows (and it is growing rapidly) it begins to fragment into smaller defined markets. Gartner released a recent report and it had some interesting segmentation of the LowCode market, so I thought I would explore them.

First of all they fall into 3 main buckets:

• User Interaction
• Automation
• Application

User Interaction

Low-Code Application Platforms (LCAP)

LowCode Application Platforms are the original LowCode, with the segmentation splitting from this.

LCAPs typically focus on allowing users to create custom business applications, such as workflow management systems or data entry forms. These platforms often include drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components that can be easily assembled to create a functional application. A LowCode language is then layered on top of this to add more specific functionality. Within the LowCode model you sacrifice range of solutions for simpler, quicker solutions.

LCAP developers are still highly skilled employees, ideally with IT background, working within IT processes (like Agile and ALM).

They are more about increased productivity for enterprise solutions.

Citizen Automation and Development Platforms (CADP)

Citizen Automation and Development Platforms are forking or LCAP, with a more focus on moving away from IT teams and processes into Business departments.
CADP are designed specifically for citizen developers, or non-technical users who want to automate tasks or build simple applications. These platforms often include features such as natural language processing, which allows users to input their requirements in plain English, and pre-built workflows that can be easily customized.

They are more about replacing Shadow IT and software like Excel then full fledge enterprise solutions.

Multiexperience Development Platforms (MXDP)

A Multi-experience Development Platform is designed to program, manage and analyze multiple programs at the same time. However, these apps are referred to as 'multi-experience' because of the multiple methods of input and management they have. For example, these apps can be modified via sound, touch, gestures, or more.

Although LCAP and even CADP can appear to be MXDP because they cover mobile and desktop, true MXDP is a more diverse input range. Examples would be a chatbot that can be texted or called on the phone.

As you can see, there are lots of overlaps with these 3 markets, with most platforms sitting on a scale.

Automation

Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS)

Integration Platform as a Service are a suite of cloud services that integrate systems (often cloud to on premise).

These LowCode solutions are focused are IT infrastructure rather than front end user software. Creating integration layers between different software/services a company may need.

Dell Boomi is my go to example, a suite of lowCode APIs that can create integrations between multiple solutions.

Business Process Automation (BPA)

Business Process Automation is the optimization of business (generally across the entire business not just department) through automation, this includes workflows, data queries/scripts and to a less extent RPA.

BPA is focused on all the different parts of an organization working efficiently and effectively together. Back end functions such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) implement BPA.

Power BI is often thought of as a good example of LowCode Business Process Automation tool.

Robotic Process Automation

Robotic Process Automation is the use of secondary software to automate software. It generally falls into 2 categories:

• User Interface (or Human Interaction)
• System Interface (or API's)

User Interface software will imitate a humans interaction, they often require their own desktop operating system (generally virtual desktops), software installed and license accounts. They automate through interacting with the software from coded objects or actual user interactions like mouse clicks and key presses.

User Interface RPA's true power is in automating legacy non cloud systems like mainframes.

System Interface uses softwares APIs to replicate a user interaction, a good example would be using Microsoft's Graph API to send emails.

RPA by its very nature is generally on smaller, department level scale, and is used as a tactical, time boxed, solution.

Once again its a scale, with multiple different systems covering different parts of the different markets.

Application

Rapid Application Development (RAD)

Rapid Application Development tools are kind of like the current crop of cloud LowCode platforms, but provided as installed, on premise applications rather then platforms. They leverage LowCodeNoCode, drag and drop UI, with additional LowCode as an option. They then use the user created content as a blue print to create an application, or compile it directly.

Rapid Mobile App Development (RMAD)

Rapid Mobile App Development tools are mirror or RAD, but focused on mobile applications. They have all the same features, with the addition of transferring existing solutions cross platform. The user is able to convert from different operating systems or device by using drag and drop interfaces.

RMAD/RAD tools are/were on-premises only, and mainly desktop-bound applications. Low code is the evolution of RAD to cloud and SaaS models.

As you can see there is again a massive overlap with User Interaction, as Application is just a legacy version, with them often for filling the same roles, just with the differences of Cloud vs On premise.

Personally I still believe there is more in common with each market segments then there are differences. With the only real fragmentation being User Interface and Automation (and even that line is blurred as a good percentage of LowCode platforms do both). But I can see as the market grows, matures, and gets more competitive the market with fragment, with each platform trying to create niches and differentiation.

Further Reading

• https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-12-13-gartner-forecasts-worldwide-low-code-development-technologies-market-to-grow-20-percent-in-2023
• https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/enterprise-low-code-application-platform