Top Enterprise Low-Code App Development Platforms

Looking for a low-code/no-code app builder that can handle enterprise-level complexity? We compared six of the most best platforms to help you find the right fit.
Top Enterprise Low-Code App Development Platforms

Gartner’s latest analysis shows the low-code application platform (LCAP) market is expanding fast, with a projected 16.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). At this pace, the market is expected to reach $16.5 billion by 2027.

However, the same report found that many of the existing platforms in this market lack key features expected at the enterprise level, like generative AI or a robust catalog of pre-built connectors, APIs and templates. These gaps in functionality, along with the strict security and scalability standards modern enterprises require, mean choosing a low-code development platform is no simple task.

As a player in the enterprise LCAP market, we understand that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. That’s why we’ve put together this guide comparing six of the best low-code application development platforms to help you find the right fit for your unique business needs.

Best App Builder Platforms at a Glance

While all of the low-code application development platforms in this guide are designed for enterprise use, they each have different strengths. Here’s a quick look at what each LCAP does best:

Jitterbit Best for unified app development and integration
OutSystems & Mendix Best for boosting developer productivity
Appian Best for rapid development of small apps
Quickbase Best for collaborative app development
Salesforce Platform Best for Salesforce-based app creation

What to Look for in an Application Development Platform

Low-code platforms speed up application development by reducing the need for extensive coding, allowing businesses to build and deploy apps with minimal technical expertise. But for enterprises that do have dedicated developer and IT resources, many low-code tools fail to provide the level of customization and control that traditional app development offers. In addition to limiting the platform’s ability to meet specific business needs, the restrictiveness and lack of flexibility found in some low-code platforms may lead developers to resist using it altogether.

The key for organizations looking to invest in a low-code app development tool is to find the right balance of speed, flexibility and long-term scalability that works for both business leaders and technical teams.

If you need to: Look for a low-code app builder with:
Build simple applications quickly without technical expertise An intuitive drag-and-drop interface
Connect your applications with existing business systems A built-in integration platform/pre-built API connectors
Create more complex apps to meet specific business needs Custom code integration and flexible API access
Build apps that perform well across global markets Cloud-native architecture and built-in international compliance
Protect sensitive information stored in customer-facing apps Built-in enterprise-grade security features and compliance
Handle large volumes of app data/traffic Auto-scaling capabilities and support for both vertical and horizontal scaling

An In-Depth Look at 6 Low-Code Enterprise App Builders

1. Jitterbit

Jitterbit App Builder (formerly Vinyl) is a unified development platform that brings enterprise app building, iPaaS, API management and EDI integration together in one ecosystem..

AI Capabilities:

  • AI-infused App Builder Assistant lets users create and modify applications using natural language commands
  • Application UIs can be created by submitting images or drawings, or by using natural language

check icon Pros:

  • Unified platform that includes iPaaS and API management capabilities for easy app integration, testing and monitoring
  • Strict enterprise-level security and compliance standards, including role-based access controls, single sign-on support and data encryption
  • Data-first approach to low-code development uses real-time enterprise data to build apps tailored to specific business needs

x icon Cons:

  • More complex functions may require citizen developers to seek back-end developer support

Best for:

Organizations looking for an app building solution that is not only flexible, but reduces their reliance on multiple technology stacks.

2. OutSystems (ODC)

OutSystems emphasizes the AI capabilities of its low-code platform, offering “AI-assisted everything” from app creation to performance optimization. However, it’s important to note that these AI features are only available on the new OutSystems Developer Cloud (ODC) platform released in 2024, and not the legacy OutSystems 11 (O11) platform.

AI Capabilities:

  • OutSystems Mentor offers AI-powered app creation and suggestions for improvements
  • AI models can be embedded within apps

check icon Pros:

  • DevSecOps built in to provide security throughout the development process
  • Automated testing and performance optimization capabilities help to detect issues early and streamline debugging
  • Extensive app branding capabilities offered through shared theme libraries

x icon Cons:

  • No backward compatibility with legacy version: existing customers must migrate their entire application portfolio
  • Integrating third-party plugins and external libraries can be complex
  • Enterprise-level security features (OutSystems Sentry) are an add-on that must be purchased separately

Best for:

Organizations with existing professional development resources looking to improve developer productivity.

3. Appian

Appian’s low-code application platform provides a visual interface to build enterprise apps. It’s notable for its advanced mobile development features, providing a single environment for web and mobile app creation.

AI Capabilities:

  • AI-driven document processing
  • AI agents with real-time access to enterprise data

check icon Pros:

  • Flow chart interface assists in both app development and workflow planning
  • Advanced mobile development features can be used to automatically create a mobile-ready version of your app that works on any device
  • Centralized data layer allows users to access data from multiple databases/apps through one interface

x icon Cons:

  • Users report a lack of front-end design tools/poor UI design flexibility
  • Platform requires frequent updates that can slow down development time

Best for:

Organizations focused on deploying small applications quickly.

4. Quickbase

Quickbase offers a visual, drag-and-drop interface with a focus on creating a shared environment to foster collaboration between citizen developers and developers with more in-depth technical expertise.

AI Capabilities:

  • Smart Builder AI lets users create apps using natural language
  • AI-assisted report and pipeline creation

check icon Pros:

  • Supports a broad variety of programming languages, including Python, Java and Javascript, lowering the barrier to adoption for developers
  • Strong governance tools make it easy for administrators to control who can access apps and what data they’re able see
  • Intuitive role management features for collaboration and project management

x icon Cons:

  • Some enterprise users report the platform’s support/uptime doesn’t sufficiently meet their needs
  • 500MB data storage limit on tables makes it difficult to manage apps with high data volume/requires data to be split into separate tables or archived

Best for:

Organizations looking to embrace cross-departmental collaboration in the app development process.

5. Salesforce Platform

Salesforce Platform is a development environment for building applications and creating custom workflows. It features Lightning App Builder for no-code development and Apex, a programming language unique to Salesforce, for traditional code-based development.

AI Capabilities:

  • Agentforce AI assistant aids in code generation

check icon Pros:

  • Highly flexible approach to app development that combines visual no-code and code-based methods for developers
  • Mobile platform access lets users view dashboards and interact with apps from their mobile devices

x icon Cons:

  • Requires specialized knowledge: Investing in training or hiring a certified Salesforce Platform developer may be necessary
  • For businesses using a CRM other than Salesforce, data integration may require additional resources
  • Enterprise-level security is only available as a separate add-on (Salesforce Shield)

Best for:

Businesses already using Salesforce for customer relationship management that want to leverage their existing Salesforce data/build apps with fewer external integrations.

6. Mendix

Mendix is a low-code platform owned by Siemens that provides a no-code, visual interface and marketplace of reusable components to build new applications or improve existing ones.

AI Capabilities:

  • Maia, an AI-assisted development tool can provide suggestions for fixes/improvements
  • AI models can be embedded within apps

check icon Pros:

  • Collaboration tools make it easy for developers, citizen developers and stakeholders to co-create applications
  • Library of UI templates for both web and mobile applications are ready to use out-of-the-box

x icon Cons:

  • Citizen developers report difficulty creating applications without developer support
  • Frequent platform updates can slow down the development process
  • Platform version that supports macOS is still relatively new/in beta, and users report that it is not up to par with the Windows version

Best for:

Organizations looking to improve the efficiency of existing development teams with a low-code solution.

Conclusion

Choosing the right low-code development platform isn’t just about the features on paper — it’s also about how it fits in with your current processes, data management systems and tech stack. To know whether or not a platform checks all of those boxes, you have to see it in action.

You can schedule a product demo of Jitterbit’s App Builder to learn firsthand how a unified platform that combines enterprise-grade development with powerful integration capabilities can help you meet your business goals.

Have questions? We are here to help.

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