Discover how DHL Group increased connectivity across the enterprise and automated multiple processes end-to-end
Looking for a low-code platform? Today the low-code development platform market contains many different companies, but the differences between the different technologies and the companies that provide them are significant. Understanding these differences is essential for selecting the right platform to support your project and strategy. That’s why we’ve put together this low-code platform comparison guide. It features the top low-code vendors suitable for enterprise requirements and will help you create your short list of platforms to consider.
We couldn’t talk about the best low-code technologies without including Bizagi. The Bizagi platform combines process automation and enterprise apps to boost business efficiency and modernize operations. Bizagi may be a smaller company than some companies listed here, but that brings advantages. Bizagi is often chosen over its peers for its excellent customer service, intuitive interface and advanced features, along with its ability to improve business-IT collaboration. Bizagi is used by enterprises around the globe including Unilever, DHL and Caterpillar.
Composability
Bizagi Apps features reusable elements such as forms, business rules, processes and data objects that accelerate development and enable you to deliver greater value with fewer resources. These capabilities enable teams to innovate faster and repeat successes around the business.
Customization
Bizagi allows users to create custom forms, rules, and dashboards to meet specific business needs. Developers can extend the platform with custom code and custom connectors for external system integration.
Deployment
Bizagi is now a cloud-only platform, a decision that has enabled rapid platform innovation in recent years, including the rapid integration of advanced Gen AI features in Bizagi Apps to accelerate processes and give end users better access to actionable business insights. These market-leading AI capabilities are made possible because Bizagi runs natively on Microsoft Azure. This enables the company to fully take advantage of Microsoft’s Azure Open AI service and provide the very latest functionality quickly both now and in the future as AI advancements continue.
Security
Bizagi’s low-code platform offers enterprise-grade security features including role-based access control, encryption and data isolation and continuous monitoring. The platform also complies with global security standards and frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST and FedRAMP.
Scalability
Bizagi's cloud-native architecture allows applications to scale up and down to handle changes in users and data volumes. This flexibility allows businesses to adapt to changing needs without compromising performance.
Integrations
Bizagi’s Xchange Marketplace offers a wide range of pre-built connectors to popular systems to simplify integration with your existing tech stack. Bizagi’s Connector Editor also allows users to create APIs and custom connectors for custom integrations with third-party systems. Bizagi also offers native integration with the leading RPA tools.
Ease of use
Bizagi’s visual interface and pre-built templates enable business and IT users to build and customize apps quickly. User reviews and industry analysts often praise the platform’s ease of use and how that enables technical and non-technical staff to collaborate on transformation projects.
Ability to handle complexity
The platform allows users to design complex workflows and business rules with ease and integrate other business systems. Bizagi is known for supporting customers in highly regulated environments with complex end-to-end processes associated with business operations.
Support
Bizagi offers multiple support channels, including online documentation, an online community where users can exchange ideas, solve issues, and share best practices, tutorials, and training programs to help users get up to speed. Paid support plans are available to our enterprise customers that include dedicated account managers, faster response times, and more hands-on guidance for complex deployments.
AI
Bizagi harnesses AI to deliver business value. Bizagi’s AI Assistant Ada answers questions about business data and presents relevant actions to speed up processes. Bizagi’s AI Agents simplify routine work to boost productivity and improve user experiences. Bizagi also offers integrations with external AI services including Azure AI Services and OpenAI.
Pricing
Our consumption-based pricing with no limits on the number of users or apps within your subscription allows you to experiment with the platform and scale based on your needs and initial results.
Analyst commentary
Forrester states that “Bizagi is a fit for deep process-driven applications that focus on core workflow needs at a good price point.” And on pricing, that Bizagi “provides an inexpensive starting point for commitment, while addressing diverse use cases and scale. The model is flexible and drives market disruption.”
Similar to Bizagi, Appian focuses on a combination of process automation and low-code development, serving customers across Financial Services, Insurance, Public Sector, Life Sciences and more. How does it measure up against other key factors?
Appian allows developers to create and store development and design objects for reuse in other projects. The vendor also offers frameworks, support applications, utilities and third-party integrations in their AppMarket.
Although advanced users can customize using code, customization options are limited and businesses may require additional development or third-party solutions for advanced functionality.
Appian offers cloud (Appian and private) and on-premise deployment options. Appian manage all updates and maintenance for their own cloud option.
Appian offers robust security features including encryption and data isolation, continuous monitoring and third-party vulnerability testing. Plus, the platform is compliant with major industry standards and regulations, including SOC, HIPAA, FedRAMP and more.
Appian is a cloud-native platform that can be quickly scaled up or down, making it perfect for companies with varying demands. Customers report that the platform is capable of handling large volumes of data and processes whilst maintaining performance and reliability.
Appian offers prebuilt connectors to popular systems including Salesforce, DocuSign and more. The platform also supports APIs and web services, but some integrations can require coding knowledge therefore creating a steeper learning curve than other low-code platforms.
The platform has a drag-and-drop interface that allows users to automate processes and workflows visually, although some coding is often required.
Appian enables the design and automation of complex business processes and workflows, though very large-scale applications might require expert-level knowledge of the platform.
The Appian Community features documentation and an extensive knowledgebase to allow users to find answers to the most common platform related questions. The vendor also offers four support plans that provide access to designated support contacts.
The platform’s generative AI features include a prompt builder and Enterprise Copilot. The prompt builder allows developers to build prompts and add them to operational processes. Enterprise Copilot allows users to ask questions about information specific to your business.
The Appian platform is priced per user, per month, per app – which some deem an expensive and inflexible pricing model. Services such as the Appian Academy also incur additional charges.
Whilst Gartner praises Appian for its low-code development with high levels of automation, integration, and enterprise-grade scalability, the analyst also states that it is best suited for customers looking for a solution for their professional developers.
Pega promises ‘secure, scalable, governed, and maintainable’ apps. Users praise the platform’s reusable components and pre-built templates that allow them to quickly prototype, test, and launch applications. Let’s look at the other aspects of the platform:
Pega’s patented Situational Layer Cake architecture organizes processes, rules, data models and UI into layers for reuse enabling users to reuse them across different business scenarios.
Pega offers customization options but may not provide as much control over app design as some other low-code platforms.
Pega provides three different deployment options - fully-managed deployment with Pega Cloud Services, a client-managed cloud solution, or an on-premises deployment.
System and data access controls, data encryption and compliance with industry standards like GDPR, ISO and SOC, offer security for application development and usage.
The Pega platform supports horizontal and vertical scaling allowing organizations to respond to changes in usage requirements, whether planned or unexpected.
The platform offers out-of-the box integrations for legacy systems, databases and external systems but some users find implementing advanced configurations a challenge.
Although some users state that the platform has a user-friendly interface, others express that there is a steep learning curve, and it can require a lot of knowledge and certifications to properly use the tool.
Pega’s Dynamic Case Management (DCM), Business Process Management (BPM) and rule-based architecture enable organizations to manage complex, long-running processes that involve multiple tasks, roles, and departments.
Pega has a whole site dedicated to support – featuring a knowledgebase, community forum and training resources as well as a support portal. However, some users have expressed that tickets raised in the support portal were not solved fully.
Pega’s AI capabilities include predictive and adaptive analytics, next-best-action decisioning, natural language processing, and AI-enhanced robotic automation.
Pega is focused on Enterprise customers and has a minimum deal size of 1,000 seats at an average cost of $1,250/seat (~$1M). Additional users are only available in blocks of 100. Some customers suggest the cost of Pega Infinity’s licenses and operations is too high for the benefits delivered (Gartner, 2023).
Gartner emphasizes that Pega allows both technical and non-technical users to build apps, empowering business users to participate in development, reducing reliance on IT teams and speeding up delivery.
OutSystems positions itself as a leader in the low-code development space, promoting its platform as “the fastest way to deliver applications and drive digital transformation.” User feedback highlights rapid application development and deployment as significant advantages. However, how does it perform across other critical factors?
OutSystems allows developers to create reusable components and modules, promoting a composable architecture. The platform includes a rich library of templates, components, and connectors that facilitate integration with various services, enhancing development efficiency.
While OutSystems supports extensive customization through visual development and coding, some advanced features may necessitate additional programming skills. Businesses might find themselves needing third-party solutions for highly specialized requirements.
OutSystems offers versatile deployment options, including cloud (public and private) and on-premise solutions. The platform automates updates and maintenance for its cloud offerings, simplifying operational management for users.
OutSystems incorporates robust security measures, such as encryption, user authentication, and data access controls. The platform adheres to major compliance standards, including GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO certifications, ensuring data protection for enterprises.
OutSystems is designed to scale seamlessly, accommodating varying workloads and user demands. Users report that the platform efficiently manages large-scale applications while maintaining performance, making it suitable for enterprises with fluctuating requirements.
The platform offers numerous pre-built connectors to popular enterprise applications, including Salesforce and SAP. Additionally, OutSystems supports REST and SOAP APIs, although complex integrations may require more in-depth technical knowledge.
OutSystems features a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality, enabling non-technical users to build applications visually. This ease of use helps bridge the gap between IT and business teams, fostering collaboration.
OutSystems excels in managing complex applications and workflows, offering capabilities for enterprise-level solutions. However, users may need advanced skills for intricate customizations or large-scale deployments.
OutSystems provides comprehensive support resources, including a community forum, documentation, and an extensive knowledge base. The vendor also offers tiered support plans to cater to different business needs.
The platform integrates AI capabilities to enhance application development and user experience. Features like intelligent chatbots and automated process suggestions are designed to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.
OutSystems follows a subscription-based pricing model, charging based on usage and number of applications. While some users find this pricing structure transparent, others consider it less flexible compared to competitors.
Analysts recognize OutSystems for its strong low-code capabilities and enterprise readiness, emphasizing its ability to accelerate digital transformation. However, the platform is particularly suited for organizations with a focus on scalability and complex application needs, making it ideal for larger enterprises with dedicated development resources.
Mendix is a prominent player in the low-code development landscape, branding its platform as “the best way to build and improve applications faster.” User feedback often highlights the platform’s rapid development capabilities and collaborative features. But how does it measure up against other important factors?
Mendix promotes a composable approach, allowing developers to create reusable components and modules. The platform provides a rich repository of templates and pre-built components, facilitating faster application development and integration across projects.
Mendix offers significant customization options through both visual development and code. While the platform supports advanced customizations, businesses may require additional coding expertise for intricate functionalities, particularly for unique enterprise needs.
Mendix provides flexible deployment options, including cloud (public, private, or hybrid) and on-premise. The platform automates updates and maintenance in its cloud environment, streamlining the operational overhead for users.
Mendix incorporates robust security features such as role-based access controls, data encryption, and compliance with industry standards like GDPR and ISO 27001. These measures ensure that applications built on the platform maintain high security and data privacy.
Mendix is designed to scale efficiently, supporting a wide range of applications and user demands. Users report that the platform can handle large-scale deployments while ensuring consistent performance, making it suitable for enterprises with evolving needs.
The platform offers numerous pre-built connectors to major enterprise applications and services, including Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics. Mendix also supports REST and SOAP APIs, although some complex integrations might necessitate deeper technical knowledge.
Mendix features an intuitive interface with drag-and-drop functionality, enabling users of varying technical backgrounds to develop applications. This user-friendly design fosters collaboration between business and IT teams, enhancing overall productivity.
Mendix excels in managing complex business processes and workflows. The platform provides tools for modeling and automating intricate applications, though advanced users may still need specialized knowledge for particularly complex scenarios.
Mendix offers extensive support resources, including a community forum, detailed documentation, and a knowledge base. The vendor also provides various support plans to cater to different organizational needs, ensuring users have access to the help they require.
The platform includes AI-driven features designed to optimize the development process, such as predictive analytics and automated testing tools. These capabilities enhance user experience and efficiency, contributing to faster application delivery.
Mendix follows a subscription-based pricing model that considers the number of users and applications. While some users appreciate this approach for its transparency, others find it potentially limiting for smaller projects or teams.
Analysts commend Mendix for its strong low-code capabilities and collaborative features, emphasizing its ability to accelerate application development and drive digital transformation. The platform is particularly well-suited for organizations looking to balance rapid delivery with the complexity of enterprise applications, making it an attractive choice for businesses with robust development resources.
Camunda Camunda is an open-source platform that offers ‘universal process orchestration and automation’. It allows organizations to design, automate, and improve end-to-end processes using BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) and DMN (Decision Model and Notation) standards.
Camunda follows a decoupled, component-based architecture and supports plugin-based extensibility using custom connectors and form builders.
Camunda offers some custom scripting and extendable UI components but while this allows for tailored automation solutions, it may require technical expertise to fully leverage customization options. Camunda's web-based interface lacks the flexibility and modern design for a fully customizable, user-centric experience.
The vendor offers self-managed on-premise deployment for organizations that wish to retain full control over their infrastructure, security and configurations as well as the option for customers to deploy in their own cloud environment. The alternatives are a fully managed, cloud-based version called Camunda 8 SaaS or a hybrid approach combining the two.
Camunda offers role-based access control, data encryption, and compliance with major security frameworks. The platform also supports audit logging and authentication via OAuth2, LDAP and other enterprise security standards.
Users report that Camunda's architecture allows it to handle increased loads effectively, however some note that careful database configuration is essential to maintain optimal performance.
Camunda provides a wide range of integration capabilities, supporting REST and GraphQL APIs, as well as connectors for enterprise applications such as SAP, Salesforce, and legacy systems. While it facilitates connectivity across various platforms, some integrations may require additional development effort.
Camunda is developer-centric, requiring technical expertise for setup and customization. While it provides a model-driven approach with BPMN diagrams, non-technical users may find the learning curve steep compared to low-code platforms with drag-and-drop interfaces.
While some praise Camunda for its capability to handle complex workflows, organizations with highly dynamic, unstructured processes may require significant developer expertise and customization.
Camunda offers documentation, an active open-source community and commercial support options. Enterprise customers can access premium support plans, training, and professional services.
Camunda has limited built-in AI capabilities and integrations with external AI/ML services can be complex to set up.
Camunda offers a range of pricing plans for their SaaS and self-managed options starting at €99/month for their SaaS starter option. They operate a custom pricing model for enterprise options based on business requirements.
Some analysts note that Camunda lacks some low-code features found in other platforms, making it better suited for tech-driven organizations.
