B2B Software Development Using Low-Code

When developing software for other businesses, there are three major concerns those businesses usually have:

•      -     stability
•      -     security
•      -     scalability

And from the software development side, you are mainly concerned with the following:

•      -     development costs
•      -     code flexibility and extensibility
•      -     infrastructure costs, etc.

Fortunately, developing software using low-code technology solves all of these major issues (and more). In fact, you can expect 3-5X more effective software development using this approach.

Code Flexibility And Extensibility

Low-code allows the developer to quickly build the first version of the app without using much code. The entire process happens in the browser using intuitive drag-and-drop components. And both the frontend and the database are quickly set up (by quickly, we're talking minutes - not hours or days).

However, the developer always has the option to drop into code and completely customize any part of the project. So the swift development that happens in your browser doesn't restrict you in any way. It just removes the need to do tedious, repetitive tasks and to write boilerplate code. All of this is done for you by the low-code platform.

But the developer still has complete control over the code, and every part of the project is fully customizable.

For more details on code flexibility and extensibility, check out the full article on the difference between no-code vs. low-code vs. programming.

Project Scalability

Low-code is built on top of existing and widespread technologies like AWS, JS/TS, MySQL, GraphQL, etc. This means whatever project you build using low-code technology will be able to handle anything from one to a million users (and beyond).

Even without any explicit effort from your side, the project is automatically scalable. And you only pay for what you use. Not to mention that you don't have to pay developers to scale your project (or do any scalability-specific work).

Software Security

Similar to scalability, security is also borrowed from the world's most secure and reliable infrastructure (AWS). Because low-code is an extension of existing technologies. A way for developers to increase their productivity without learning some brand new concepts built from scratch.

All the files are automatically encrypted, and the database is secure. 

Project Stability

You are only testing your use case when building a project from scratch using traditional programming. But a low-code platform is being used by many different projects and thousands of developers.

This means any potential issues are found and fixed before you (or your users) even notice them - which is impossible with traditional programming. And when you compare that with the usual flow where your users first need to experience and report the problem to you, the low-code approach is much better for you as a developer and your users.

TESTING (CI/CD)

Therefore, you can rest assured all the parts of the app built through the drag-and-drop interface are working. All you need to do is focus on developing and testing your business logic.  

You can quickly develop and add new features (or improve existing ones) using different environments without affecting your production or your end users. Only after you make sure the latest version works can you move the changes to staging for further testing and, eventually, production.

Development Costs

Naturally, if your development process is highly effective, then your development costs are going to decrease drastically. Especially when we're talking about a 3-5X increase in development effectiveness.

There are also secondary benefits. For example, you can have smaller teams that have the same output. They are easier to manage, and the communication between them is improved.

On the flip side, if you decide to keep the budget you'd use in traditional development, you'll be able to develop features much faster. And all of this will lead to faster innovation and more frequent software releases/iterations.

Infrastructure Costs / Maintenance

A significant portion of the costs goes both to infrastructure and its maintenance. But if you're using low-code technology, you no longer have this problem.

For infrastructure, you only pay for what you use. And for maintenance - you don't pay anything.

You don't need a DevOps team to manage anything. You can solely focus on building your app through tools like App Builder; the rest works out of the box.

Low-Code Development

If low-code is so great, why isn't everybody using it? Low-code is on its way to becoming an industry standard when it comes to B2B software development. But like any technology, it never happens instantly.

The best part about low-code technology that will ensure its adoption is it cannot be ignored. It offers massive benefits with virtually no downsides. In a way, now that it's here, it has to be used.

Because as soon as one company uses this technology, it gains a competitive advantage over others that don't. So either other companies jump on board, or the only companies left will be the ones using low-code technology.

In either case, the future looks very much low-code.

To Sum it Up

Low-code technology is an inevitable part of B2B software development. It offers excellent benefits both to software users and developers. These benefits primarily relate to more affordable and 3-5X more effective software development. As well as lower infrastructure and management costs.

‍

To Learn More About 8base Low-Code Technology

Try it out for Free

Read about the 8base Backend

Read about the 8base Frontend

Visit the Community or Documentation

Contact sales and partnerships