Choosing the right enterprise development platform (EDP) is a critical decision for any organization. VoltusWave Technologies recognizes this and wants to help you navigate the ever-growing market of specialist tools to find the perfect fit for your current and future needs.
This blog post outlines five key questions you should ask when evaluating potential EDP vendors:
1. Development Ease and Non-Developer Participation
Today's businesses face constant pressure to deliver new applications quickly. Traditional development methods often create bottlenecks that slow this process down. Look for an EDP with a user-friendly development environment that eliminates these bottlenecks.
Avoid Proprietary Languages: Proprietary programming languages that require highly skilled developers can be expensive and complex. They often hinder productivity gains.
Consider Model-Driven Development (MDD): MDD offers a visual approach to development that is intuitive and fast. This allows both developers and non-developers (like business analysts) to collaborate on creating executable application models. Studies have shown significant productivity improvements with MDD compared to traditional coding methods.
2. Building New Apps and Extending Existing Systems
EDPs should be versatile and address two key needs:
Developing entirely new custom applications.
Extending existing systems with new functionalities.
Beware of platforms that only excel in one of these areas. Look for a flexible platform that can handle both new development and system extensions. Here are some key integration features to consider:
Workflow integration
Open APIs
Pre-built connectors
Easy integration points
Don't forget to ensure compatibility with your existing development tools and IT infrastructure.
3. IT/Business Collaboration Features
Effective communication and collaboration between IT and business teams is crucial for successful application development. Look for an EDP with built-in features that promote collaboration and keep all stakeholders engaged throughout the process. Here are some collaboration features to consider:
Social Collaboration Tools: Think Facebook-like activity feeds for projects and users, along with built-in chat functionality.
Agile Project Management: Features like user story creation, task assignment, priority setting, progress tracking, and integrated feedback loops all help streamline the development lifecycle.
4. Multi-Device Application Delivery
Mobile applications are in high demand, but remember that mobile isn't an isolated entity. Mobile apps often need to integrate with back-end systems and be accessible from various devices (web, tablets, smartphones).
The ideal EDP should allow you to build an application once and then deploy it seamlessly across all necessary devices with user-friendly interfaces. Rebuilding or reprogramming for different devices is inefficient and not scalable.
5. Deployment Speed and Flexibility
Deployment shouldn't be a hurdle in your development process. Look for an EDP with a streamlined deployment process that is as easy as plugging in an appliance. Platforms that utilize executable models often allow for one-click deployment to the cloud.
Flexibility is equally important. While cloud deployment is often sufficient, there might be situations where on-premises, private cloud, or hybrid deployment models are necessary. Choose an EDP that can adapt to your specific deployment needs, both present and future.
By carefully considering these five key questions when evaluating potential EDP vendors, you can ensure that you select the right platform to meet your organization's specific needs and empower your development team to deliver innovative solutions quickly and efficiently. Leverage VoltusWave's powerful, user-friendly EDP to empower your development team and accelerate innovation. Book a free demo at [ sales@voltuswave.com ] to see the future of application development!