The demand for skilled technology workers continues to grow as new digital technologies like cloud computing, AI, and machine learning make their way into more industries. 

The most impacted functions are app development and cloud-based technologies, and this skills shortage will only worsen with the increased pace at which these technologies evolve.

Many companies are struggling to find highly-trained app developers experienced in the latest mobile and cloud technologies. As a result, firms are looking for ways to leverage automation to help speed up app development without relying on traditional coding methods.

A recent study by analyst firm Forrester indicates that the U.S. is heading for a deficit of 500,000 software developers by 2024. 

One way to address this issue is to use no-code or low-code platforms, which allow IT teams to build a functional app with minimal code.

Overcoming app development skill shortages

We must consider the skill shortage scenario alongside another significant trend —organizations adopting SaaS platforms to digitally transform their business processes. 

Enterprises need to modernize their systems, leaving behind the old back-office and related manual processes to modern, cloud-based architecture, with mobile-ready apps that make the most of the efficiencies of the cloud infrastructure.

Businesses are increasingly looking for ways to quickly and easily create, use and deploy process-centric applications that drive business value. But, they must balance regulatory and security requirements and existing investments with the agility, speed, and affordability of cloud technologies.

Companies face a daunting scenario: Manual app development is labor-intensive and expensive. The demand for app development is likely to grow faster than the capacity of IT organizations to deliver them!

It's time for disruptive, low code or no-code development platforms like OpenText AppWorks to come to the rescue!

In this blog, let's understand the basics of low-code development platforms, the key features of the OpenText AppWorks platform, and its benefits.

How low-code or no-code development platforms accelerate digital transformation

No-code and low-code development is an emerging trend in the software industry. With more businesses moving to digital operations, there is a need for mobile and cloud-based app development. Unfortunately, traditional developers cannot fulfil the demand because of a lack of requisite skill sets in the available IT talent pool and the high cost of hiring highly-skilled developers.

Many executives underestimate the effort required to launch new business applications and then integrate them with existing systems. It requires teams with multiple skill sets and takes up significant time, effort, and money—enough challenges to kill the pace of innovation. Low-code platforms democratize app development, allowing companies to modernize processes faster than traditional methods.

Here are some ways organizations benefit from low-code platforms

• They automate a large part of the development process—so even low-skilled or non-professional developers can quickly build applications without specific programming expertise.

• Rapid app development allows companies to quickly launch new features and functionality with low IT investment and a quick time-to-market.

• Apps made using low-code systems function smoothly across multiple devices like smartphones, desktop PCs, and tablets.

• Organizations can quickly customize apps or SaaS product features based on unique customer demands and stay one step ahead of their competitors, ensuring business growth.

• Lastly, no-code solutions reduce the barriers to entrepreneurship. Previously, startups had to invest in setting up IT systems to launch new products or services. In contrast, they can now quickly test innovative ideas or offer new products or services with no-code systems.

OpenText AppWorks: Low-Code, High Productivity

OpenText AppWorks is a low-code development solution for building engaging and easy-to-deploy process automation and dynamic case management applications. With minimal dependency on technology resources, AppWorks enables business processes automation, equips organization teams with better decision-making capabilities, and improves end-user experience. 

Some of the key features and benefits of the OpenText AppWorks platform are:

Low-code development

Helps you create process and case-driven applications through code reuse, simplified accelerators, and development practices.

Mobile-specific development

OpenText AppWorks Gateway allows you to efficiently deploy all the web services, APIs, and mobile applications you create with OpenText AppWorks. It provides a single sign-on, audience management, centralized app, and seamless app updating capabilities to ensure access to OpenText Enterprise Information Management (EIM) functionalities.

Intelligent automation

Optimize repeatable business processes, integrate with RPA tools, and incorporate rules within operations to standardize operational decisions and ensure consistent execution.

Dynamic case management

Ensure that knowledge workers can access the processes, content, and workforce that help them move cases forward.

System integrations

Create a repository of web services originating from other external systems like CRM and ERP applications, databases, and more. Design business processes, application logic, and user interfaces that combine multiple web services using drag-and-drop tools.

Flexible deployment

OpenText AppWorks functions on-premises and can also be deployed on the cloud for enhanced agility. Cloud simplifies deployment to provide faster access to new capabilities.

To sum it up

OpenText AppWorks empowers IT teams to innovate and launch new products or apps in sync with the fast pace of the digital era, helping them grow and succeed in the new digital economy.

Talk to RDS to build smart, content-rich applications, increase developer agility, and deliver a dynamic, relevant customer experience with OpenText AppWorks.

Our experienced consultants have years of experience implementing OpenText products for companies across industries.