The document discusses the significance of low-code platforms in accelerating software delivery by minimizing hand-coding and reducing upfront investment. It highlights the inefficiencies in traditional software delivery processes and outlines the benefits of low-code solutions, which include faster application development and the ability to empower a broader range of developers. Additionally, it addresses potential challenges such as maintaining numerous applications and the need for effective governance policies.

2. Guiding Principles For The Low-
Code Revolution
John R. Rymer, Vice President, Principal Analyst
May 27, 2015

3. © 2015 Forrester Research, Inc. Reproduction Prohibited 3
Fast Software Delivery Is Crucial
1980s
1990s
1960s
2010
Data processing -- Batch automation of accounting, back-office
IT -- Database, online systems-of-record and PCs
automate front-office
The Internet -- eBusiness brings external
(Web) access to internal business processes
The Customer -- Mobile & social
empower customers – systems of
engagement win, serve, retain them
RequiredDeliveryTime

4. © 2015 Forrester Research, Inc. Reproduction Prohibited 4
How Software Delivery Is Failing
1980s
1990s
1960s
2010
Data processing -- Batch automation of accounting, back-office
IT -- Database, online systems-of-record and PCs
automate front-office
The Internet -- eBusiness brings external
(Web) access to internal business processes
The Customer -- Mobile & social
empower customers – systems of
engagement win, serve, retain them
RequiredDeliveryTime
• Projects take too long.
• Delivery processes are too inflexible.
• Software change is too expensive & slow.
• Talents are out of date.

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We’re Expanding Our Platform Portfolios
Legacy
• COBOL,
PL/1, etc.
Client/serve
r
• PowerBuilder,
old VB, Oracle
Forms
Web
• .NET,
Java
Digital Business
• Mobile platforms
• Server-side Javascript
• Low-code platforms
• Cloud platforms
• Continuous delivery

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Low-Code Platforms Defined
› Platforms that enable rapid delivery of business
applications with a minimum of hand-coding, and minimal
upfront investment in setup, training, and deployment.
• Devs use low-code platforms to produce complete business applications
(UX, data, workflow, transactions, reporting).
• Devs use low-code platforms to address a wide range of applications.
• Low-code platforms are an alternative to general-purpose coding
frameworks (e.g. Java and .NET).
Source: Based on “New Development Platforms Emerge For Customer-Facing Applications,” August 6, 2014

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Low-Code Is A Diverse Market
Group Vendors Revenue
>$100M Salesforce (Force.com) $500
$25-$100M Acquia, Appian, Intuit, K2, Mendix, Nintex, OutSystems,
ServiceNow
$500
$10-$25M Alpha Software, Bizagi, Intalio, MicroPACT $120
<$10M Alphinat, Avoka, BPLogix, ClaySys, KeyedIn Solutions,
MATsSoft, MioSoft, Mobidio, Mvine, Progress Software,
Software AG
$60
Nascent Exadel, IBM, ManyWho, Microsoft, Snappii, WhoGloo, Zudy $10
Total ~$1,200
Source: Forrester estimate
Estimated Low-Code Revenues

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5 Ways Low-Code Speeds App Delivery
› Visual descriptions much faster than coding
• Declarative tooling, pre-built components and controls
› Easy, immediate, low-cost on-ramp
• On-demand access, low costs, no enterprise sales cycle, no training
› Discover true requirements and real value
• Try out ideas at no or low cost, see the app as you build and modify it
› Generate mobile apps from older apps
• Available responsive design, reusable UX definitions
› Empower developers you can find and afford
• Powerful tooling replaces need for top-tier talent; fast ramp training

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This May Be A Revolution
Health Ministry Patient admin system 3 years
4 months, 1
week
Enterprise Result Code Low-Code
UK Insurance Agent Portal
∞ 10 days to
MVP
Call Center
Operator
Customer-specific app 4 months 3 weeks
Spain Insurance
Web channel & admin
system
2.7 years
(est)
13 weeks

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Low-Code Platforms Also Enable Chaos
› Dozens to hundreds of hard-to-maintain apps
› Dozens to hundreds of point integrations
› Apps that can’t grow along with usage
› One-off, orphaned apps and/or platforms
› More custom code to fill gaps than you planned to
write

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Self-service
Human-mediated
Simple ComplexBusiness Process
Customer
Interaction Mode General-purpose
Web-content
Process
Data/Forms
Start With Objectives For Your Platforms
› Source: “New Development Platforms Emerge For Customer-Facing Applications,” August 6, 2014

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When You’re Established, What’s Next?
Experimentation, initial proof Expansion, optimization
Case
Forms B2C
Process

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Plot Your Product Selection
Application ScenariosNiche General-Purpose
ExpressivenessConstrained Unconstrained
ScalabilityDepartmental Internet-scale
Ramp-up TimeLots Little
Deployment ChoiceLimited Multiple

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Plot Your Product Selection
Application ScenariosNiche General-Purpose
ExpressivenessConstrained Unconstrained
ScalabilityDepartmental Internet-scale
Ramp-up TimeLots Little
Deployment ChoiceLimited Multiple
B2C sites
Agent portal

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Target Roles Using Low-Code
Platforms
Plan Who Will Do The Work
DevOps
Pros
Coders
Rapid
Devs
Apps
Pros
“Citizen
Developers”
Process
Pros
(both inside and outside of IT)
IT
Pros

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Design Your Governance Policies
› Guidelines for classes of projects.
› Common data, components, integration and who’s
responsible.
› Development framework and practices to achieve
responsiveness and efficiency goals.
› How to empower subject-matter experts.
› Coordination of multiple lifecycle speeds.

17. forrester.com
Thank you
John R. Rymer
+1 650.581.3857
jrymer@forrester.com
@johnrrymer
With
Clay Richardson