As artificial intelligence advances, users are increasingly alienated from the complexities of the technology they use. As a result, we live in a world in which people deal with ambiguity intelligently, and many tasks may be accomplished without fully understanding how they work. Rather, the workforce is increasingly focused on developing solutions that quickly solve complicated business problems.
Low-code and no-code platforms are two such solutions that allow users to create applications without writing code. These platforms are designed to simplify the development process by providing a visual interface that allows users to drag and drop components to create applications. This enables users to create applications quickly and easily, without the need for extensive coding knowledge. Low-code platforms are designed for professional developers who want to create applications quickly and easily, while no-code platforms are designed for business users who want to create applications without writing any code.
Gartner anticipated this phenomena back in 2012 with a bold statement 'We're all developers now!', when they predicted that by 2020, at least 65% of all application development would be done using low-code platforms. The prediction was based on the premise that low-code platforms would enable organizations to develop applications more quickly and efficiently, without the need for extensive coding knowledge. The prediction has proven to be accurate, as low-code platforms have become increasingly popular in recent years. These platforms are designed to simplify the development process by providing a visual interface that allows users to create applications quickly and easily, without the need for extensive coding knowledge.
Citizen Development is a term used to describe the process of creating applications without writing code. This process allows business users to create applications that meet their specific needs, without the need for extensive coding knowledge. Citizen development is becoming increasingly popular as organizations look for ways to empower business users to create applications that meet their specific needs. Low-code and no-code platforms are designed to enable citizen development by providing a visual interface that allows users to create applications quickly and easily, without the need for extensive coding knowledge.
Citizen Development is playing a crucial part in the process of growing capacity with speed in a way that really embraces agility and delivers tangible results.
Organizations that are inclined to implement these platforms may consult Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Low-Code Application Platforms in order to assess the performance of the leading market competitors and identify the most suitable low-code platform that aligns with their specific requirements. The assessment categorizes companies into the Leaders, Challengers, Niche Players, and Visionaries quadrants based on their proficiency in strategic planning and implementation.
THE FORRESTER WAVE: Low-Code Development Platforms For Professional Developers evaluates various low-code development platforms based on their current offerings and strategies. The assessment is based on 28 criteria, including the platform's current offering, strategy, and market presence. The report categorizes companies into Leaders, Strong Performers, Contenders, and Challengers based on their proficiency in strategic planning and implementation. The placement of these companies on the graph indicates their relative strength in the market according to Forrester’s analysis. The vertical axis represents the quality of their current offering, and the horizontal axis represents the strength of their strategy. The leaders quadrant is where you’ll find the most robust and well-rounded platforms.
The PEAK Matrix Assessment for Low-Code Application Development 2023 evaluates various low-code application development platforms based on their market impact, vision, and capability. The assessment categorizes companies into Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants based on their proficiency in strategic planning and implementation. The placement of these companies on the graph indicates their relative strength in the market according to Everest Group’s analysis. The vertical axis represents the market impact, and the horizontal axis represents vision and capability. The leaders quadrant is where you’ll find the most robust and well-rounded platforms.
The G2 Grid® for low-code and no-code development platforms is a resource offered by G2, a software marketplace used
by millions. It ranks various platforms based on user satisfaction and market presence. This grid helps businesses
compare and choose the best low-code/no-code solution for their needs. It considers factors like user reviews, feature
sets, and the platform's ability to support business applications, lifecycle management, UI code extension, and
platform compatibility. G2 Grid® provides valuable insights for businesses seeking to leverage the speed and
efficiency of low-code/no-code development.
The G2 Grid® categorizes platforms by user satisfaction and market presence, with Leaders boasting both, Contenders
having strong market presence but average user reviews, High Performers garnering high user satisfaction but a smaller
market share, and Niche players catering to specific needs with lower overall presence and satisfaction scores.
Product Hunt's no-code platforms category showcases a variety of tools that empower users to create applications,
automate workflows, and build websites without any coding knowledge. It highlights popular products like Webflow,
Bubble, and Zapier, among others, with user reviews and ratings to help users find the best no-code solutions for their
needs.
Capterra is a software review platform that helps businesses find the right software solutions for their needs. It lists a variety of low-code and no-code platforms, allowing users to compare features, pricing, and user reviews to make informed decisions. Capterra's user-friendly interface and detailed platform listings make it easy for businesses to find the best low-code/no-code tools for their projects.
TrustRadius is a software review platform that helps businesses make informed decisions about the tools they use. It features user reviews, ratings, and detailed product listings for various low-code and no-code platforms. TrustRadius provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different tools, helping businesses choose the best solutions for their projects.
Discover the World of Citizen Development with "A Guide to Citizen Development in Microsoft 365 with Power Platform"
Are you ready to revolutionize the way you work with Microsoft 365?
"A Guide to Citizen Development in Microsoft 365 with Power Platform" is a must-read for professionals, students, educators, and anyone eager to harness the power of Microsoft's products in a modern, hybrid workspace.
🌟 Key Highlights of the Book
Democratizing App Development: Dive into the world of Citizen Development, a game-changer in deploying and utilizing Microsoft 365 apps. This book is your guide to understanding the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Low-code No-code (LCNC) offerings from Microsoft Cloud.
For a Diverse Audience: Whether you're a seasoned IT specialist, a cloud service administrator, a business architect, or just starting out, this book has something for everyone. It's crafted for those familiar with Microsoft Office, Windows 10/11, and various devices.
From Basics to Advanced: The content ranges from introductory to advanced topics, making it accessible yet comprehensive. You'll gain insights into leveraging Microsoft 365 for real-time hybrid workspaces and collaborative scenarios.
Deep Dive into Microsoft 365: Explore the inherent features, applications, and nuances of Microsoft 365 and associated products. The book also covers low-code no-code platforms and citizen development within the Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Power Platform ecosystem.
Foundational Knowledge and Advanced Topics: Learn about Cloud Computing 101, Cloud Security 101, and delve into advanced topics like Power Fx, Power Apps, Power Automate, Power Virtual Agents (now Microsoft Copilot Studio), Power BI, AI Builder, and Generative AI.
Practical Scenarios and Real-World Applications: The book is filled with practical scenarios and real-world applications, making it an invaluable resource for enhancing workplace efficiency and extending knowledge beyond traditional Windows and Office.
A Story of Transformation: Follow the transformative journey of Jane Doe, a lecturer at Newland University, as she tackles the challenges of adopting Microsoft 365 and embracing Citizen Development within an educational setting, all while serving as a program director guiding digital transformation.
Jane Doe: A Story of a Citizen Developer
Learn an AI-assisted framework for better working and easier information discovery by incorporating SharePoint
Online and OneDrive. Its products facilitate safe collaboration and efficient document/data management, easing
daily tasks and simplifying access level control across enterprises.
Jane Doe, the first citizen developer at New Land University, creates SharePoint sites for varied post-graduate
cohorts, enabling seamless collaboration and sharing. Her initiatives enable students, faculty, and external
partners, such as mentors and thesis advisors, to efficiently access and use critical information. Jane's
program uses Microsoft 365 technologies to alter New Land University's workflow, establishing a connected,
collaborative atmosphere. This modification increases information transmission and consumption, simplifies
everyday chores for students, faculty, and partners, and promotes decision-making processes.
Citizen Developer in play
Her initiatives also help New Land University save time and money while also improving its academic
reputation and position.
Discover how Jane Doe, New Land University's first citizen developer, leverages Microsoft 365 to build a
modern, intelligent workplace where students can access knowledge and communicate with their peers and
mentors.
Jane's work as a citizen developer at New Land University exemplifies the transformative power of
providing individuals with the tools and platforms to innovate. Her contributions to the use of
Microsoft 365 services have not only improved operations but also built a collaborative and efficient
culture across the university.
The hierarchical architecture of SharePoint Online—Tenants, Farms, Site Collections, and Sites—improves
content organization and collaboration. This book assists Jane in creating a SharePoint site and covers
web elements, functionality, and Hub sites, which are necessary for Intranet design. Practical examples
show readers how to use SharePoint Online and OneDrive to improve collaboration and data management.
Solidified Groundwork
Learn Power Fx, a spreadsheet-like approach to a language that simplifies data manipulation, logic creation,
and
UI design, democratizing the app development process by implementing common Excel spreadsheet formulae in
Power
Platform.
In-depth look at Power Fx, which streamlines app design with Excel-like formulas and auto-updating data. Its
user-friendly, data-binding, low-code setup, and context-responsive design appeal to users of all skill
levels,
enabling dynamic, scalable programs such as Jane Doe's canvas app in Power programs, including a code
snippet
for hands-on experience.
Learn the intricacies of Power Fx and how to create real-time solutions using Power Automate integration in
Power Apps. Jane, as a Citizen Developer, uses Power Automate with Power Fx in Power Apps to streamline
workflows and demonstrate creativity and automation in actual applications.
Jane Doe evolves into a Citizen Developer, learning Power Fx to construct business
apps with Power Apps' canvas app and integrating workflows with Power Automate. She gradually builds and
improves her skills on the Power Platform as she addresses Newland University's referral program needs.
Jane Doe has taken a significant leap, effortlessly utilizing sophisticated application development in Power
Apps, intricate workflow automation in Power Automate, and integrating custom code using Power Fx. Her journey,
characterized by continuous learning, leadership, and adaptability, propels digital transformation and
innovation at Newland University.
📘 Why Read This Book?
Empower Yourself and Your Team: Learn how to proficiently use Microsoft 365 apps, development tools, administration, and security features.
Stay Ahead in the Digital Transformation Race: Understand the role of Microsoft 365 in digital transformation across various sectors.
Enhance Your Productivity and Well-being:Discover how Microsoft 365 can improve employee experiences, productivity, and well-being.
🚀 Embark on Your Transformative Journey Today!
"A Guide to Citizen Development in Microsoft 365 with Power Platform" is more than just a book; it's a journey into the future of work and innovation. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, lead your team more effectively, or simply stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of technology, this book is your key to unlocking new possibilities.
Start transforming the way you work with Microsoft 365! 🌐
"A Guide to Citizen Development in Microsoft 365 with Power Platform" offers a guide to harnessing the power of Microsoft's versatile platform for beginners and seasoned professionals. Whether you want to streamline business processes, develop robust applications, or stay updated with Microsoft 365's ever-evolving ecosystem, this book is your ultimate companion. Dive in to thrive in the digital age!
This book covers:
Introduction to Microsoft 365 Ecosystem: Provides insights into the Microsoft Cloud ecosystem, including Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, and the Power Platform.
Cloud Computing and Citizen Development: Offers a succinct explanation of cloud computing, cloud services, deployment strategies, and the role of citizen development in bridging digital transformation gaps.
Microsoft 365 Services Overview: Delves into the diverse services of Microsoft 365, such as SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams, guiding readers on enhancing productivity and collaboration.
Microsoft 365 Apps: Introduces design thinking, utilization of whiteboard templates, and productivity tools like Forms, Sway, Bookings, OneNote, and Planner.
Power Fx Introduction: Learn Excel-style low-code programming with Power Fx and understand its usage in Power Apps, Dataverse, and Powet Automate.
Adaptive Cards: Learn about different categories of cards, their integration with Microsoft Graph, and their application within Teams.
Power Apps and Dataverse: Understand canvas and model-driven apps, and explore the functionalities and limitations of Dataverse for Teams.
Security, Compliance, and Licensing: Gain foundational knowledge on Cloud Security 101, role-based security within Microsoft 365, shared responsibility, data sovereignty, and Microsoft 365 plans comparison.
AI Builder on Power Platform: Dive into prebuilt AI models and their practical applications for the Power Platform.
Generative AI and LLM-based Apps: Understand the nuances of Generative AI and LLMs, and explore third-party Power Platform connectors and emerging AI trends in citizen development.
This book guides professionals, students, and educators aiming to leverage Microsoft 365 for real-time hybrid workspaces and collaborative scenarios. It covers various topics from foundational to advanced, ensuring readers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to use Microsoft 365 products and features proficiently.
The book delves into the software development ecosystem, highlighting Microsoft 365's Citizen development as an alternative low-code and no-code solution using Microsoft Teams and Power Platform. It provides a basic understanding of cloud computing and the role of Citizen Development, emphasizing its value in offering short-term IT solutions without replacing traditional IT. The reader is introduced to various Microsoft 365 services, including SharePoint, Exchange, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams.
The book explores the collaborative features of SharePoint Online and OneDrive and delves into the low-code language Power Fx, Adaptive Cards, Power Apps, Power Automate, Power Pages, and Microsoft Dataverse while excluding topics on Power BI and Power Virtual Agents (now Microsoft Copilot Studio) in this first edition. Security, compliance, and licensing within Microsoft 365 are addressed from a Citizen Development viewpoint, albeit not in-depth. The book further introduces AI and Generative AI components of the Power Platform. Through Jane's experiences, a persona, readers gain insights into challenges faced during Microsoft 365 adoption, focusing on Citizen Development.
Also, targeted at IT admins and developers new to Microsoft 365, the book showcases practical scenarios for enhancing tech-savvy work efficiency and productivity but is not intended for advanced professionals already well-versed in the platform.
Please note that the second edition of this book will include comprehensive coverage of Power BI and Microsoft Copilot Studio (formerly known as Power Virtual Agents now Microsoft Copilot Studio).
The low-code no-code (LCNC) development platform market is experiencing rapid expansion and will continue to grow exponentially, driven by the rising need for digital transformation and the increasing adoption of citizen developers. LCNC platforms will see increased adoption across diverse industries and integration with advanced technologies such as AI, ML, and IoT. These trends will empower businesses to accelerate application development, reduce costs, and foster innovation while also emphasizing the importance of security, compliance, and governance in the evolving LCNC landscape.
Key aspects of the future of LCNC platforms:
* Market Growth and Adoption: The global market for LCNC development platforms is predicted to generate revenue of $187 billion by 2030. Gartner expects LCNC development tools to account for 75% of new application development by 2026. This growth is attributed to organizations adapting to changing trends, talent shortages, and the need for speedy application delivery.
* Citizen Developers: Non-technical employees will be further empowered to build applications using LCNC platforms, leading to the growth of citizen developers within organizations. By the end of 2025, citizen developers, designers, and non-technical stakeholders will create more tech products and services than ever before.
* Integration with Emerging Technologies: LCNC platforms will see increasing integration with technologies such as AI, ML, and the Internet of Things (IoT). AI-infused low-code enables users to optimize processes, increase efficiency, and make better decisions, making LCNC development safer, more effective, and more intelligent.
* Specialization and Customization: There will be a trend towards developing LCNC platforms explicitly tailored for particular sectors or applications. These specialized platforms will include features and integrations relevant to specific industries or use cases, such as healthcare or e-commerce.
* Security and Compliance: As LCNC platforms become more widely used, there will be a greater focus on ensuring they are secure and compliant with relevant regulations. This includes developing new tools and features and increased regulatory oversight to protect sensitive data and prevent potential legal issues.
* Integration with Traditional Development Tools: LCNC platforms will be integrated with conventional software development tools such as IDEs and version control systems. This integration enables a more collaborative and flexible development process, allowing developers with different skill sets to work together effectively.
* Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs): LCNC platforms will be increasingly adopted by SMBs due to their limited resources and lack of in-house technical expertise. These platforms can help smaller organizations build custom solutions in-house, leveling the playing field with larger competitors.
While LCNC platforms offer numerous benefits, they are unlikely to replace developers entirely. Skilled developers will still be needed for complex and advanced projects, as LCNC platforms excel at solving specific problems and simplifying certain development tasks but may not handle complex programming requirements.
