Constellation ShortList™ Enterprise Low-Code Tools and Platforms
Executive Summary
A low-code tool or platform allows application developers to create software solutions with minimal skill and effort. For the purposes of this list, a low-code tool is distinct from a low-code platform if it’s not a self-contained foundation upon which low-code applications run. Either type of low-code solution can be used to develop complete software applications that are built in very short amounts of time, often in just hours or days.
Enterprise low-code solutions, distinct from citizen-developer solutions such as IFTTT, are specifically designed for use in more sophisticated, complex business environments and account for the unique requirements of larger organizations. These requirements typically include security, integration, performance, manageability, governance, support, and vendor capabilities/history. With AI becoming front and center in modern applications, these tools are critical for enabling enterprises to build AI-powered next-generation applications and leverage AI to increase developer velocity.
A low-code tool or platform helps business and IT users create targeted software solutions at a much lower cost, addressing corporate IT backlogs. Low-code tools and platforms can also enable both centralized and grassroots digital transformation by accelerating and democratizing the digitization of the business while maximizing budget. Finally, they are a key platform for important extensions to next-generation applications (see here).
Threshold Criteria
Constellation considers the following criteria for these solutions:
- 400+ customers live
- Customers on at least 3 continents
- Support for customers on all continents
- Ease-of-use with minimal coding or technical expertise
- Compelling visual application development model
- Strong integration capabilities with local and cloud-based systems
- Wide range of integration types and sources
- Richness and robustness of the resulting applications
- Effective desktop and mobile user experience
- Secure, fine-grained access control
- Ability to deploy code assets to public cloud platforms
- AI-powered features and capabilities
- Roadmap for more AI/ML in automated processes – all the way to full code generation
- Management and governance features that handle large numbers of apps
- Support for application templates and organization branding
- Support for leading version control and application life-cycle management (ALM) tools
The Constellation ShortList
Constellation evaluates more than 40 solutions categorized in this market. This Constellation ShortList is determined by client inquiries, partner conversations, customer references, vendor selection projects, market share, and internal research.
- Appian Low-Code Platform / AI Process Platform
- Google AppSheet
- HCL Volt MX
- Jitterbit App Builder (formery Zudy / Vinyl)
- Mendix Platform by Siemens
- Microsoft Power Apps
- Nintex Skuid
- Oracle APEX (Application Express)
- OutSystems Platform
- Pegasystems Pega Platfrom
- ProcessMaker
- ServiceNow Now Platform
- Zoho Creator Platform
Frequency of Evaluation
Each Constellation ShortList is updated at least once per year. Updates may occur after six months if deemed necessary.
Evaluation Services
Constellation clients can work with the analyst and research team to conduct a more thorough discussion of this Constellation ShortList. Constellation can also provide guidance in vendor selection and contract negotiation.