The development of low code/no code technologies is transforming the digital landscape of businesses, particularly SMEs
In a context of omnipresent digital transformation and ever-increasing competition for businesses, no code is an unavoidable phenomenon with nearly 70% of new business applications expected to be developed in this way in the next two years. If the global share of no code and low code is expected to reach 175 billion euros in 2030 according to Gartner, SMEs should gain an increasingly essential ally to optimize their performance and competitiveness. While the digitalization of business processes is today a reality with which we must know how to deal, willy-nilly, what is the impact of the no-code Revolution on the daily use of technologies by SMEs, its advantages and risks? in terms of cybersecurity? What are the best practices to follow?
Low code / no code: what concrete advantages for SMEs?
In an increasingly digital world, SMEs are faced with a dilemma: how to accelerate their digital transformation with fewer human or financial resources? As such, low code and no code solutions are obvious solutions. They allow you to create applications with little (or no!) knowledge of traditional programming languages. Whether we are talking about coding novices, DevOps teams, or even professional developers looking to accelerate their production, low code and no code are aimed at a varied audience and therefore at all levels of an SME notably.
No-code platforms which are based on simple and intuitive interfaces – where the creation of applications is done through simple drag-and-drop actions – are ideal for SMEs with limited budgets and wishing to quickly implement efficient solutions without having to call on advanced technical expertise. Note that low-code platforms offer more customization possibilities, through the use of more technical code “blocks,” and allow users with programming skills to create more sophisticated applications adapted to specific needs. We thus think of the health or defense sectors, where data security and volume constraints take precedence. Agility and ease of use are the key words of these technologies thanks to which business teams gain autonomy and are therefore no longer dependent on IT for each digital transformation project, thus reducing the “bottleneck” effect. bottleneck” that IT teams often face. They greatly facilitate the adoption of Business Intelligence tools and enable faster deployment of solutions, thus improving ROI.
For SMEs, which must reconcile innovation and budgetary constraints, the choice between low code and no code will depend on their customization needs, but also on their ability to maintain and evolve the tools developed. While no code considerably simplifies learning and implementation, low code offers more flexibility for companies with more complex technical requirements.
A balance to find: low code / no code vs cybersecurity
While low-code and no-code technologies facilitate the rapid creation of applications, they also raise crucial questions in terms of cybersecurity.
If accessibility and ease of use are at the heart of these tools, data security is becoming a priority issue for IT departments and end users. In fact, the vulnerability of no-code platforms does not lie so much in the tool itself as in the way in which the applications are designed and formatted. Concerns about reliability and security which are also at the center of discussions at the no code Summit in Paris this month. If the publisher of the no code platform assumes a large part of the responsibility for cybersecurity, the user must also apply best practices. Access control and permission management are essential elements: only authorized users must be able to access sensitive data, with permission levels adapted to each situation. It is also crucial to host applications in a secure environment, whether a public or private cloud, assigning specific security measures based on the types of data stored or produced.
The aim is to minimize risks while ensuring optimal data protection. Constant vigilance is required, as each stage of design and deployment must be aligned with security requirements, in order to prevent potential breaches.
Low code / no code: best practices
Companies wishing to adopt low code or no code solutions must select a tool that meets their concrete needs. An in-depth analysis of the issues and objectives is necessary to choose the platform best suited to expectations. A crucial aspect is the experience and longevity of the publisher. It is recommended to check the geographical origin, seniority and compliance with local regulations of the publisher, whether it is based in Europe, the United States or Asia. This helps ensure better continuity of service and long-term regulatory compliance.
Safety is a primary issue. Under the impetus of the SFPN (French Union of No-code Professionals), AFNOR has also published a first global reference document, the “AFNOR SPEC 2312”, which regulates the technologies, thus marking a new era for IT development in France and beyond.
No code, which appeared around ten years ago with tools like WordPress, Wix or Notion, has gradually established itself in our IT world. Low-code/no-code solutions today provide a response to the growing challenges posed by the complexity of technologies, the maintenance of applications and the shortage of qualified developers. For SMEs, these technologies are valuable allies that help accelerate digital transformation while reducing costs and dependence on IT, facilitating the creation of applications and democratizing access to development tools. By promoting technological adoption which has become essential to remain competitive in an increasingly digitalized world, they are establishing themselves as an essential lever for the digitalization of SMEs. However, cybersecurity and best practices must be at the heart of any no/low-code implementation process.
The rise of these solutions is part of a trend of democratization of technology, like artificial intelligence (AI). Like AI, no/low-code is not sufficient in itself, but it simplifies access to advanced technological tools for business users. Together, AI and low/no-code are paving the way for a new era of innovation, where non-technical people can fully harness the potential of technologies to grow their businesses in an evolving digital environment.
