Embracing Modern Application Development (MAD) with Low-Code No-Code Technology

Quixy Editorial Team

August 30, 2024

This article was first published in Customer Think.

Software is the lifeblood of modern business & the ability to rapidly create, deploy, and manage software applications is critical for business success. The Forrester report on Modern Application Development (MAD) services highlights the transformative potential of MAD combined with agile methodologies. This powerful duo turbocharges collaboration, delights customers, and puts the focus squarely on achieving business goals, not just churning out code.

The Rise of Modern Application Development

Modern Application Development (MAD) services represent a paradigm shift in how organizations approach software creation and deployment. According to Forrester, MAD service providers collaborate closely with clients to cocreate custom modern applications while simultaneously transforming and modernizing their software development capabilities. This collaborative model is essential for businesses aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The Forrester report reveals that 64% of business and technology professionals prioritize bringing more development in-house over the next 12 months. This trend underscores the growing desire for autonomy and the ability to innovate internally. By leveraging MAD technologies like low-code no-code, organizations can bridge the gap between traditional outsourcing and internal development, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Also read: AI Workflow Automation: A New Era of Streamlined Processes

Low-Code No-Code: Accelerating Innovation

Low-code no-code (LCNC) platforms have emerged as a game-changer in the realm of MAD services. These platforms enable business users and developers to create applications with minimal coding, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with traditional software development. The integration of LCNC with MAD services allows for rapid prototyping, iterative development, and seamless deployment of applications, catering to diverse business needs.

One of the key benefits of LCNC platforms is their ability to democratize software development. By empowering non-technical users to create applications, organizations can harness the collective creativity and expertise of their workforce. This democratization aligns with the MAD philosophy of cooperation, where collaboration between business units and IT departments drives innovation and growth

Enhancing Customer Experience through MAD and LCNC

Improving customer experience is a top priority for enterprises across various industries. The Forrester report highlights that enterprises are increasingly hiring developers, data scientists, and designers to enhance their internal capabilities. However, the goal is not to insource all application development work but to become efficient partners with MAD service providers.

LCNC platforms play a crucial role in this process by enabling rapid development and deployment of customer-facing applications. With LCNC, businesses can quickly respond to changing customer demands, deliver personalized experiences, and continuously iterate on their applications. This agility is essential for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced digital economy.

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Focusing on Business Outcomes

Traditional metrics of software development, such as lines of code or function points, are becoming obsolete. The shift towards agile methodologies emphasizes measuring progress and success based on business value and benefit realization. According to Forrester’s Developer Survey, 60% of developers measure their team’s success in terms of business value, highlighting the importance of outcome-focused development.

MAD services, combined with LCNC platforms, can enable organizations to focus on business outcomes rather than outputs. By aligning development efforts with strategic business goals, companies can ensure that their software initiatives drive tangible value. This shift in focus is critical for achieving long-term success and sustaining competitive advantage.

The Impact of Generative AI on MAD Services

Generative AI (genAI) is poised to revolutionize the MAD services industry. Forrester also identifies genAI as the most prominent disruptor, with the potential to automate software development and significantly increase team productivity. By leveraging genAI, MAD service providers can enhance their offerings, enabling clients to adopt and master current and future technologies.

However, the adoption of genAI comes with challenges. Organizations must develop a mature AI governance framework to address compliance, security, and privacy concerns. Successful integration of genAI into the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) requires collaboration between MAD service providers and clients, ensuring that both parties are equipped to navigate the complexities of AI-driven development.

Transforming Organizations with MAD Services

MAD services are not just about delivering software; they are about transforming organizations. This transformation involves reskilling talent, changing internal cultures, and adopting new practices and behaviors. Forrester emphasizes the importance of co-sourcing with external MAD partners to achieve this transformation, highlighting the need for significant cultural shifts within organizations.

Agile, DevOps, and genAI demand substantial changes in how businesses operate. MAD service providers must support clients in their journey towards these new paradigms, offering guidance and expertise to ensure successful transformation. The ultimate goal is to build a sustainable, innovative, and resilient organization capable of thriving in the digital age.

Conclusion

The Forrester report underscores the critical role of Modern Application Development (MAD) services in today’s business environment. By integrating low-code/no-code (LCNC) platforms, organizations can accelerate innovation, enhance customer experience, and focus on business outcomes. The combination of MAD and LCNC empowers businesses to co-create custom applications, transform their development capabilities, and drive digital transformation.

As the MAD services market continues to evolve, organizations must carefully evaluate providers based on their ability to deliver both commoditized and differentiated services. The rise of generative AI presents new opportunities and challenges, requiring a collaborative approach to ensure successful adoption and integration. Ultimately, embracing MAD services and LCNC technology will enable organizations to stay competitive, agile, and resilient in the face of rapid technological change