First published on 28 November 2023 – Updated on 26 November 2025

Businesses today are under constant pressure to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and maximize return on investment. Digitizing paper-based or manual processes is one of the fastest ways to achieve these goals—saving valuable time while reducing costs. But with so many options available, where do you begin?

Hiring professional developers can be expensive, and off-the-shelf software often falls short of your organization’s unique requirements. That’s why many companies turn to low-code development, an effective way to build tailored solutions without the complexity or cost of traditional development.

Since we first published this article in 2023, the low-code landscape has evolved dramatically. Analysts now project that by 2030 the global low-code and no-code market will exceed $100 billion, fueled by rapid enterprise adoption and the rise of AI-powered capabilities. Organizations of all sizes are using low-code platforms to accelerate digital transformation, automate workflows, and deliver new digital experiences.

Several major trends are shaping today’s market:

• Generative AI integration: Platforms now include AI-assisted app creation, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation.
• Enterprise-scale adoption: Low-code has expanded far beyond internal tools to support mobile apps, customer-facing systems, and complex data integrations.
• Rise of citizen developers: With app demand outpacing IT capacity by five to one, business users are now empowered to build applications faster than ever.
• Greater emphasis on governance and security: As usage grows, platforms must deliver strong compliance, access control, and audit capabilities.

To take full advantage of these advancements, the first step is choosing the right platform. Not sure where to start? Here are the key factors to help you find the best fit for your organization’s needs.

1. Identify your objectives and requirements

Before diving into the selection process, outline your business requirements and objectives. Are you aiming for rapid application development, scalability, or integration with existing systems?

Define the scope, complexity, and nature of applications you intend to build.

Consider not only current needs but also long-term digital transformation plans.

Modern low-code platforms increasingly incorporate AI-driven automation that learns from data to optimize processes, speed up development and provide actionable intelligence. Identifying upfront whether you need these features will help narrow down platforms that can support your strategic objectives.

2. Evaluate the ease of use and accessibility

A core advantage of low-code platforms is their ease of use and their ability to empower non-technical users to create applications. Ensure the platform has an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, easy customization, and minimal coding requirements.

Additionally, consider whether the platform offers AI-powered assistance that allows users to build applications, for example, natural language prompts, auto-generated components, or suggestions that reduce the learning curve and help citizens users build applications more quickly and accurately.

Assess the accessibility across various devices and browsers, essential for collaborative work.

3. Assess the scalability and performance

Make sure the platform can handle both internal workflows and customer-facing applications, and that it can scale with your business as needs evolve—all without compromising performance or functionality.

Evaluate the platform’s capability to handle increased workloads, user volumes, and evolving business demands without significant setbacks.

4. Evaluate the customization possibilities

Look for platforms that strike a balance between pre-built functionalities and the ability to tweak or customize code when necessary to meet your unique needs.

Evaluate whether the platform includes AI assistants that can accelerate development while maintaining the flexibility to customize when needed.

5. Consider the deployment and management

Make sure the platform integrates seamlessly with your existing tech stack. The compatibility with databases, APIs, and third-party services is crucial for a smooth workflow and data consistency across applications.

Don’t underestimate the platform’s deployment process and its management features. Easy deployment and centralized app management will streamline the application lifecycle without additional charges.

6. Evaluate Security and Compliance

Security is paramount when developing applications. Ensure the platform complies with industry standards for data encryption, access controls, and regulatory requirements (such as GDPR, HIPAA…) and provides regular security updates. Ensure the platform provides robust security protocols to safeguard your data and applications.

7. Examine the level of support and the community

Examine the level of support provided by the platform vendor. Responsive customer support, comprehensive documentation, training resources, and an active user community can significantly aid in overcoming challenges and maximizing the platform’s potential.

8. Test the platform

Before committing, take advantage of free trials or demos offered by the platforms. Test the platform’s functionalities and usability by building a prototype or a small-scale application to gauge its suitability for your business needs.

You can involve key stakeholders and end-users in the evaluation process to gather diverse feedback.

9. Evaluate the cost

Determine the total cost of ownership and assess the potential returns in terms of efficiency gains and time savings. Beyond the initial licensing fees, consider expenses related to additional features, training, maintenance, support, and scalability. Look also for hidden costs related to premium connectors or AI service usage.

10. Check the vendor reliability

Research and gather insights from other businesses or developers who have used the platform. User reviews, case studies, and testimonials provide valuable real-world perspectives and help you gauge their track record in delivering successful low-code solutions.

Lastly examine the platform’s roadmap for future updates and enhancements. A platform committed to innovation and regularly updating will ensure your custom app stay up-to-date and competitive.

Even though low-code platforms are designed for simplicity and speed, selecting the right solution in today’s rapidly evolving market can be challenging. To make the best choice, evaluate the platform’s core design, AI capabilities, scalability, and integration potential. Consider the strength of its support resources, governance features, and community ecosystem.

By asking the right questions and aligning the platform with your business goals, you can accelerate development, empower citizen developers, and drive innovation across your organization.

> Check the infographics for a sum up of the tip to find the right fit for you!

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