1. Low-code/no-code applications allow organizations to build custom systems without hiring professional developers.
2. LC/NC software can provide a close fit to business requirements, can be implemented quickly, and typically cost much less than systems developed in-house.
3. LC/NC oversight is necessary to control the "shadow IT" phenomenon and ensure that systems are scalable and supported by IT professionals when appropriate.
The article "When Low-Code/No-Code Development Works — and When It Doesn’t" provides an overview of the benefits and challenges of low-code/no-code (LC/NC) development. The author argues that LC/NC applications can provide a close fit to business requirements, can be implemented quickly, and typically cost much less than systems developed in-house or purchased from external vendors. However, the author also notes that LC/NC oversight is necessary to prevent the institutionalization of shadow IT and ensure that applications are scalable and maintainable.
Overall, the article provides a balanced view of LC/NC development, highlighting both its benefits and challenges. However, there are some potential biases and missing points of consideration that should be noted.
Firstly, the article focuses primarily on the benefits of LC/NC development without providing much evidence for its effectiveness. While it is true that LC/NC applications can be implemented quickly and at a lower cost than traditional development approaches, there is little discussion of their scalability or long-term viability. Additionally, there is no mention of any potential risks associated with using LC/NC tools, such as security vulnerabilities or data privacy concerns.
Secondly, the article assumes that department managers will take responsibility for managing LC/NC development within their departments. However, it is unclear how realistic this assumption is given that many department managers may not have the necessary technical expertise to oversee software development projects effectively.
Thirdly, while the article acknowledges that IT organizations need to maintain some control over system development, there is little discussion of how this control should be exercised or what criteria should be used to select which LC/NC tools an organization will support. This lack of guidance could lead to confusion or inconsistency in how different departments approach LC/NC development.
Finally, while the article briefly mentions hybrid citizen/professional development models as a possible solution for ensuring scalability and maintainability in LC/NC applications, there is no discussion of any potential drawbacks or limitations associated with this approach.
In conclusion, while "When Low-Code/No-Code Development Works — and When It Doesn’t" provides a useful overview of the benefits and challenges of LC/NC development, it could benefit from more detailed analysis and evidence-based arguments. Additionally, more attention could be paid to potential risks associated with using these tools and how best to manage them within organizations.