Low-code platforms gaining popularity with Aussie businesses

Low-code platforms are gaining popularity in Australia at a rapid rate, according to a new study by OutSystems and IDC.

In fact, 59% of organisations have recently adopted low-code platforms, and 18% plan on adopting low-code in the next 18 months.

The study, which assesses developer experience for digital transformation in Asia-Pacific, defines the four main areas driving growth.

Namely, companies are driven by a need for faster app development, especially in areas such as customer experience, analytics, eCommerce and the internet of things (IoT).

In addition, developers are looking at shifts in career paths, with low-code development offering a way for strategic business alignment. It also enables companies a way to embark on their digital transformation strategy in earnest, and the means to escape the gridlock of legacy systems.

The report states that integration is key to realising operational efficiency, and low-code is a key tool for overcoming such obstacles.

For instance, integrating apps with legacy systems storing siloed data can help businesses improve processes and workflows.

OutSystems and IDC state that this is very relevant for many businesses in Australia as teams are often looking to integrate new technologies with existing legacy systems, often relying on outdated technology infrastructure.

When it comes to challenges, for software application development in Australia include integration, with 22% of respondents citing this as their main challenge, 21% are concerned about resource constraints, and 20% mention a lack of user involvement as their major challenge.

OutSystems vice president Asia Pacific Mark Weaser says the uptake of low-code platforms is driven by a desire for agility and successful digital transformation.

Weaser says, "Australian companies are generally quick to adopt new technologies and with the challenging business environment we operate in today, agility is key in driving digital transformation.

"With remote working gaining global traction due to the COVID-19 outbreak, agility is particularly crucial at this point as organisations have to react fast and embrace the transition so that they can continue to deliver economic value to their clients and the wider community.

"Conversely, we also see companies that still rely on legacy systems working in the background, which silo information and slow down digital change.

Weaser says, "There is a need for companies to find quicker and simpler ways to build new features and applications to cater to their customers' evolving needs. OutSystems understands the challenges that businesses face and will continue to support them in their transformation efforts.

According to Weaser, developers are keenly aware of the increasing demand for low-code development.

He says, "Developers that OutSystems spoke with in Australia suggested that the increasing participation in app development by non-IT staff, the high cost of IT labour and relatively long lead-time for traditional development and a growing maturity around agile and DevOps practices are creating unprecedented demand for low-code development.

The report also revealed that developers in Australia are engaged with a range of emerging technologies as well, with 39% working on social networks, 21% on consumer IoT projects and a further 13% on augmented and virtual reality solutions.