No Code Platform Software

With the onset of the digital era, business requirements keep changing. Businesses need app development processes that can adapt to the rapidly changing environment to keep themselves in the race. This causes IT teams to struggle since they are the ones doing all the work in the background and are often bogged down with a lot of IT requests.

Thankfully, there are no code platforms to help. No code platforms do not require any coding or programming experience. Not only can you simplify the software development process for your business, but you can also significantly reduce the amount of time required to design new applications without worrying about a lack of resources or high costs.

To help you find the right no code platform software, we’ve created this guide which answers important questions related to your software research:

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• What is a no code platform software?

• Why use a no code platform software?

• What are the typical features of a no code platform software?

• What are the potential issues with a no code platform software?

• What are the trends in no code platform software?

• What is the cost of no code software?

• How do small and midsize businesses use no code platforms?

What is a no code platform software?

A no code platform is a software tool that allows developers, non-developers, and citizen developers (someone who has technical skills but isn’t a professional software developer) to build applications without the use of coding or computer programming. With functionality such as drag-and-drop elements to assemble applications, integration management to connect data with databases and applications, and a visual development environment, these solutions allow businesses to design software applications quickly.

Why use a no code platform software?

Let’s look into some of the benefits you can reap by deploying a no code platform software at your workplace:

• Internal resources optimization: Businesses that lack IT expertise tend to outsource application development processes which is more costly. Deploying a no code platform software won’t require any coding expertise which helps you utilize your internal resources to design applications. This will help you save extra costs on design applications as per your business requirements.

• Enhanced productivity: No code platform solutions allow your workforce to design applications at a much faster pace. This leads to fewer IT requests for your staff and a reduction in the overall workload for your employees. Due to faster app development and reduced time to get the work done, productivity at your workplace will be improved.

• Fast application delivery: Using traditional coding methods, developers have to write each line of code, which is a time-consuming task. With no code platform software, your business users can quickly design applications using drag and drop functionality. This reduces the time it normally takes for software application development.

• Facilitates quick change management: Business requirements can change quickly which can be problematic when using slower, traditional coding methods. A no code application can help you incorporate any changes in the application functionality almost instantly which helps quick responses to change management.

Key questions to ask your no code platform software vendor before you buy:

• How is your no code platform software going to help my business?

• How quickly can I make changes in your no code platform software?

What are the typical features of a no code platform software?

Before investing in a no code platform, it is important to understand its most common features. Let’s have a look at some of them:

• Deployment management: Manage the processes involved when getting the application ready for use.

• Drag-and-drop: Assemble applications and processes by dragging and arranging pre-built components.

• Visual modeling: Use visual elements such as pre-built blocks and/or shapes to assemble a model or design.

• Collaboration tools: Provide the ability to work collectively on a project while communicating and sharing information within the system in real time.

• Integrations management: Identify which applications need to exchange data and enable these data connections.

• Performance metrics: A set of indicators that track how well an organization, a division, or a particular project are performing.

• Pre-built modules: Templates for common development functions.

• Workflow management: Create, design, and visually represent processes within the software.

Key questions to ask your no code platform software vendor before you buy:

• Apart from the features listed above, what other features would be useful for my business?

• What are the common features of your particular no code platform software?

What are the potential issues with a no code platform software?

Choosing a no code platform solution will increase productivity and faster app delivery for your business, but it is important to understand the drawbacks associated with the use of such platforms.

Listed below are a few issues that you might face once you invest in a no code platform software:

• Flexibility issues: A no code platform software can deliver applications faster but what if it is not able to deliver the type of app that your business needs? No code platforms come with a set of pre-built templates that can then be configured to build applications but sometimes your requirements have complexities that a no code platform cannot cater to. At that time you will have to choose between what your business needs from the platform versus what you want. It’s a good idea to make sure that the no code platform you are investing in is flexible enough to incorporate your changing business requirements.

• Security issues: If you are developing your own application from scratch, you know the system inside out. But with no code platforms, you have no control over the risks associated with security and reliability. What if your no code software company gets acquired or worse: What if this company suffers a security breach? You should ask your vendor these questions before investing in a low code platform.

• Need of developers beyond simple applications: There is a plethora of no code applications available on the market, but some of them would actually need consultants or developers to deliver the finished product. For instance, what if your customer comes up with some detailed requirements, and your no code platform is not capable of handling those requirements? In that case, you’d have to get the programming done via traditional methods, leading to more costs.

Key questions to ask your no code platform software vendor before you buy:

• Does your no code platform come with a solid security framework?

• Is your no code platform flexible enough to incorporate any changes in my business requirements?

What are the trends in no code platform software?

Before deciding on a no code platform for your business, it’s smart to get acquainted with some trends in this space:

• No code platforms are enabling business process automation and digital transformation: Owing to the hybrid and remote working model, many businesses want to remove human dependencies on certain business processes by automating them. With no-code solutions in place, non-technical business experts are designing applications that will automate and streamline many business-critical processes. Gartner predicts that by 2024, more than 65% of application development will include low code or no code automation. It will not only empower business experts to take control of their business requirements and infuse innovation into their business processes, but also keep IT from spending extra time on requests related to app development.

Key questions to ask your no code platform software vendor before you buy:

• How does your no code platform tool enable automation in business processes?

• What new technologies are you planning to use in your no code platform software in the future?

What is the cost of no code software?

While some no code platforms are available free of cost, some are available on a per-application basis (meaning how many applications you create from the platform). However, most products in the no code platform software market are priced on a per user, per month pricing.

Our research found that pricing for no code solutions falls into three tiers based on their starting price:

• $14 - $18

• $19 - $28

• $29+

These ranges summarize pricing for the base plans of most products. An enterprise or premium product that is priced higher may include additional features such as advanced integrations, analytics, enterprise process automation, mobile apps, access to the API store, and premium customer support.

*The pricing included is for the entry-level/lowest-priced offering that was found on vendor websites on September 14, 2021. These ranges correspond to the 25th, 75th, and 100th percentile of the pricing information gathered from vendor websites of sample products and exclude freemium plans.

No code platform software is typically priced either on a monthly subscription basis or as a perpetual license, with pricing generally based on the user base.

• Perpetual license: If you want to own the no code platform software perpetually, you have to pay for the software either at an upfront cost or annually. Keep in mind other one-time costs such as cost for implementation, data transfer, maintenance, upgrades, etc.

• Subscription-based pricing. Under this pricing model, you have to pay a monthly or annual subscription fee based on the number of users who will be using the system or by the number of applications you want to design. Fees for support, maintenance, advanced functionality, and upgrades are sometimes hidden, so check with the vendor about these potential extra costs.

Key questions to ask no code platform software vendor before you buy:

• What is your pricing model?

• In addition to the subscription fee, what other costs are associated if I decide to purchase your no code platform software?

• Do you offer a free plan, free trial, and demo with your no code platform?

How do small and midsize businesses use no code platforms?

No-code platforms can be used by a lot of business users as they are designed to be user-friendly and require absolutely no necessary coding and development knowledge. So, the power is in the hands of non-technical people—from CEOs to marketers to solopreneurs, or anyone in between.

Small to midsize businesses (SMBs), in particular, can greatly benefit from no-code development platforms. Since small businesses generally have tighter budgets and don’t necessarily have a dedicated software engineer or IT professionals on board, it can be difficult to create a company’s software app, website, eCommerce portal, or mobile app.

With no-code platforms, these business users can eliminate the need for formal development experience on the team and have the opportunity to create their own application, which can help drive business and contribute to lower costs as well as more agility. In addition, using a no code platform is an inexpensive and quick way for SMBs to build apps and automate business processes.

Because of this, instead of traditional programming methods, SMBs are adapting to this new programming style that uses pre-built templates, drag-and-drop functionality, graphical user interfaces, visual modeling, and collaboration features.

So no matter whether you're starting or building a business, no-code platforms will help you with your digital transformation, and to achieve your goals with the professionals and budget you already have.

Key question to ask no code platform software vendor before you buy:

• What features are included in your no code development platform software that will help me develop an app for my business?

Back to no code platform software directory

*Note: The applications selected in this article are examples to show a feature in context, and are not intended as endorsements or recommendations, obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication.