No-Code: That’s How SMBs Will Build Future Apps

A technology entrepreneur in today’s world does not have to write reams of code to build a startup. Due to the power of new capabilities like no-code and low-code that is gaining popularity among developers, significant time is saved in hand-coding mobile and web applications. Simplified or do-it-yourself coding differs from the traditional coding process. It uses a metadata-driven platform which has functionalities that enable end-users with no coding knowledge to develop business applications.

There is a growing demand in the small and medium-sized business (SMB) sector for no-code software platforms that are the next big trend to create cutting-edge products and fuel innovation.

The digital transformation of businesses amid the global pandemic COVID-19 proved to be a gamechanger for large corporates and SMBs alike. The latter was particularly compelled to find creative digital tools and solutions to replace traditional development methods that are considered a burden on a company’s resources.

It’s no wonder that no-code development is well worth considering. It offers multiple advantages, such as automation, speed and agility, to meet the unique requirements of businesses that are on a journey to innovate faster with smaller technical teams. No-code holds great promise. Thus, SMBs can reap the benefits of the transformed software landscape by adopting the technology for a range of solutions.

The most significant advantages of deploying no code include:

Going-to-market faster

One of the key operational challenges faced by SMBs is finding ways to optimize productivity and develop time-efficient processes that will accelerate their go-to-market strategy. In the absence of complex coding, no-code and low-code tools improve efficiency and reduce the time required to build applications. Thus, the technology aids SMBs in improving the turnaround time—sometimes within a few hours. Further, the automated testing process cuts down on time for the developers.

Optimizing efficiency and cost

Small businesses often struggle with inefficient processes that delay workflows and escalate costs. Using no-code platforms provides SMBs with a streamlined infrastructure. This simplifies the technology stack and integrates the IT and business functions. The absence of complex coding allows more team members access to technical expertise to iterate on solutions. No-code tools also offer other benefits, such as cost savings for SMBs. Hiring expert developers is an expensive proposition for small businesses. By leveraging a no-code platform, even non-technical team members can build and release apps in less time.

Scaling rapidly

Another major constraint faced by SMBs is building scalability in the early stage to fuel their growth trajectory. No-code platforms hold the promise of empowering non-technical team members to use the technology for multiple use-cases. Deploying no-code results in fast user experiences that align with the company’s business objectives. Cloud-based no-code platforms improve agility and enable flexibility.

Maximizing security

SMBs are usually vulnerable to malware attacks and data breaches as they lack sophisticated cybersecurity infrastructure.  Moreover, they lack adequate human and other resources to build foolproof security protocols.

This is where no-code technology is beneficial for small businesses as it typically comes with some form of in-built security. A secure no-code platform works in tandem with the IT department at a business. Rather than spending time on implementing security features themselves, developers can leverage the security automation that is built into no- code and low-code technology.

Driving innovation

In today’s competitive market, SMBs are under pressure to accelerate the process and product innovation to retain their competitive edge. Challenges such as limited resources and manpower lead to increased risks associated with innovation.

No-code is one of the most powerful tools SMBs deploy to accelerate innovation. Technological breakthroughs need not come from only traditional coding done by expert developers. The no-code movement enables robust innovation among ‘citizen developers’ to unleash their creativity in developing apps. This further improves the digital transformation journey of the company while ensuring customer delight. An automated cloud infrastructure using no-code tools equips SMBs to adapt and innovate for future strategies.

The rise of no-code is the future of technology

No-code technology has existed for years. Yet, recent advances in AI/ML and the changes that the pandemic triggered have compelled SMBs to adopt this disruptive way of working to not only survive but also to thrive. The software industry must grasp the changes brought about by the ‘new normal’. They should also adjust their offerings to find more affordable solutions leading to faster time-to-market.

The year of the novel Coronavirus has highlighted the need for SMBs to accelerate their digital transformation and democratize software development. Simplified visual user interfaces and boilerplate codes are driving technological innovations across diverse cloud environments to support a faster and more agile deployment by saving developers valuable time and cost.

The ongoing shift to automation in the SMB industry will free up time for developer teams to focus more on the business needs of the organization. The dynamic technology market is ready to usher in a paradigm shift to no-code to help SMBs build resilience and deliver innovation to face future disruption beyond the era of COVID-19.

While no code may not be a silver bullet, there is no denying that if SMBs have to thrive in the coming decades, they should embrace this paradigm to write the next chapter in disruptive technology.