Low-code platform

What is a low-code platform

A low-code platform is a class of software development tools in which applications are created through a visual interface: diagrams, forms, drag-and-drop components and declarative models. The low-code concept emerged as a response to the shortage of professional developers and the need to accelerate digital transformation. The term was coined by Forrester in 2014, and Gartner predicts that by 2026 more than 75% of new applications will be built on low-code platforms. Low-code is closely related to the concepts of BPM and BPMS, often serving as the technological foundation for their implementation.

According to a Gartner study, by 2025, 70% of new applications developed in organizations will use low-code or no-code technologies. This is due to the fact that traditional development requires significant time and financial costs, as well as highly qualified personnel. Low-code platforms allow reducing the development cycle from several months to several weeks, and in some cases — to days.

Low-code platforms are actively used in the banking sector, government, retail and industry. They allow quickly creating customer portals, internal management systems, mobile applications and integration solutions. In Russia, low-code platforms are becoming a key tool for import substitution, allowing replacement of foreign solutions without loss of functionality.

How low-code works

A modern low-code platform is built around a visual constructor (model-driven designer), an execution engine and a built-in database server. The platform provides ready-made connectors for integration with external systems via REST API, SOAP and message queues. Unlike no-code, low-code implies the ability to refine with code to implement complex logic. The SINTEZ-M platform combines the functionality of BPMS, RPA and web interface creation tools in a single environment.

Architecturally, a low-code platform consists of the following components: a visual editor (IDE), an execution engine (runtime engine), a repository of models and metadata, as well as a version control system. The visual editor allows developers to create models of processes, forms, business rules and integrations using drag-and-drop. The execution engine interprets these models and executes them in real time, managing process states and interacting with external systems.

The model repository stores all created artifacts in a structured form, which allows managing versions, tracking changes and ensuring collaboration of several developers. The version control system integrates with Git and other version control systems, which facilitates the development and deployment process.

Benefits of low-code

Implementing a low-code platform provides a reduction of time-to-market from months to weeks, lower requirements for developer qualifications, built-in security at the framework level and reduced TCO. The design service helps determine the target application landscape, and training allows quickly building internal competency. Read more about development approaches in the technologies section.

In addition, low-code platforms provide a high degree of standardization and reuse of components. This reduces the risk of errors, simplifies maintenance and updating of applications, and facilitates the transfer of knowledge between developers. In the context of import substitution, low-code platforms become a strategic tool for creating domestic software, since they allow quickly replacing foreign solutions without loss of functionality.

Another important advantage is the possibility of involving business users in the development process. Domain specialists can independently create simple applications and prototypes without waiting for the allocation of developer resources. This speeds up the requirements approval process and reduces the load on IT departments.

Low-code in Russia and import substitution

In Russia, low-code platforms are actively developing as part of import substitution. The SINTEZ-M platform is included in the Russian Software Registry and is used in the financial and government sectors. It allows creating applications that meet regulatory requirements, including 152-FZ and 187-FZ.

Domestic low-code platforms have a number of advantages over foreign analogues: they are adapted to Russian legislation, support integration with government information systems (SMEV, GIS "Electronic Budget"), use certified CIPF tools and ensure data protection at the level required by regulators.

Transition to domestic low-code platforms allows organizations to reduce dependence on foreign vendors, ensure technological sovereignty and flexibly adapt to legislative changes. This is especially important for government bodies and critical information infrastructure facilities, where security and reliability requirements are especially high.

Examples of low-code use

Low-code platforms are used in various areas. In the banking sector, they are used to create customer portals, automate credit processes and manage documents. In the government sector — for developing public services portals, interdepartmental interaction systems and budget process management.

In industry, low-code platforms help create systems for managing production processes, logistics and quality control. In retail — for managing inventory, processing orders and customer service. In healthcare — for maintaining electronic medical records and managing schedules.

Thanks to the flexibility and speed of development, low-code platforms are becoming a universal tool for digital transformation of organizations of any size and industry.