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In this episode of the Analytics Insight Podcast, host Priya Dialani takes a deep dive into the world of low-code and no-code platforms with Dinesh Varadharajan, Chief Product Officer at Kissflow. Together, they explore how these platforms are transforming the application development landscape, the role of AI in enhancing these tools, and the growing demand for innovative solutions in today’s digital-first business world.
For decades, businesses have had two main paths to application development: purchasing ready-made apps from external vendors or building them from scratch with skilled developers. However, the landscape is changing rapidly with the rise of low-code and no-code platforms that empower users across businesses to develop and automate applications without needing to write a single line of code.
Low-code and no-code platforms are revolutionizing how businesses approach application development. Unlike traditional methods that require coding expertise, these platforms offer intuitive, graphical interfaces that allow users—whether business users or IT professionals—to build applications quickly. This accessibility not only fosters greater innovation but also relieves IT departments from the burden of developing and maintaining every application.
Dinesh Varadharajan, Chief Product Officer at Kissflow, explains the company's journey in this space:
“The vision behind Kissflow was to democratize computing, enabling business users to create applications without needing coding skills. Our platform allows users to automate business processes easily, and as technology evolves, we are moving towards even more powerful solutions with the advent of AI-driven app generation.”
Kissflow, founded in 2013, has been one of the pioneers in the low code, no code space, providing businesses across the world with the tools to automate and innovate. Dinesh shares that Kissflow has helped thousands of customers globally, from small businesses to large enterprises, create applications that meet their specific needs without relying on traditional IT teams.
The Role of Low Code, No Code Platforms in Digital Transformation
As Gartner predicts, this shift is expected to grow rapidly at a rate of 165% every two years, a massive jump from traditional application development methods.
Dinesh elaborates on how these platforms are poised to disrupt the traditional development landscape:
“In the past, if you wanted to build an application, you needed to rely heavily on developers and IT teams. With low code and no code platforms, the power is now in the hands of business users who can quickly create solutions that address their challenges. This rapid ability to innovate is transforming the way businesses operate and compete.”
The advantages are clear: organizations can now iterate faster, reduce time to market, and empower non-technical staff to create solutions, all while driving down costs and reducing the strain on IT teams.
So, what exactly makes low-code and no-code platforms so compelling? Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages over traditional development:
Faster Development: With traditional coding, creating an application could take months, even years. With low code/no code platforms, businesses can build applications in days or weeks, significantly reducing time to market.
Cost Efficiency: By enabling business users to create their applications, organizations can reduce the need for expensive IT development cycles. IT teams can then focus on innovation rather than maintaining existing systems.
Greater Innovation: These platforms allow businesses to experiment and innovate faster, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced market. Changes can be made quickly, enabling businesses to respond to market needs in real-time.
Increased Accessibility: Non-technical users now have the tools to solve problems directly, without relying on IT departments. This democratization of app development fosters creativity and new ideas across the organization.
Scalability: Low code, no code platforms offer scalability, making it easy for businesses to scale their applications as they grow without requiring complex development resources.
Looking forward, the landscape is poised for further disruption. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with low-code, no-code platforms is set to accelerate the evolution. AI can now help users build applications by simply describing what they need, making the process even more seamless.
“With the rise of Gen AI, we’re seeing a transition beyond traditional low code and no code solutions into AI-driven app generation,” says Dinesh. “Shortly, users will be able to simply talk to the system, and the platform will generate applications that address specific business needs.”
This shift to AI-driven development means businesses can automate even more complex processes, enabling them to stay ahead of the competition while further streamlining operations.
While the benefits of low code, no code platforms are evident, there are some challenges that businesses must consider. These platforms may not be suitable for highly complex applications that require custom functionality. Furthermore, as businesses increasingly rely on these platforms, it’s crucial to ensure proper governance and security measures are in place to avoid potential risks.
In conclusion, low-code and no-code platforms are transforming the application development landscape. By enabling faster, more efficient, and cost-effective solutions, these platforms are empowering businesses to innovate and adapt in the digital age. With AI integration on the horizon, the future of app development is more exciting than ever, offering new opportunities for businesses to stay competitive and agile.
As Dinesh puts it: “The evolution of low code, no code platforms is just the beginning. As these platforms continue to mature, they will play an even more significant role in shaping the future of business technology.”
