What is a low-code platform?
A low-code platform (LC platform) is a development tool or development framework that makes it possible to build applications through graphical interfaces, ready-made templates and configurable building blocks. At the same time, there is the possibility to supplement with code when needed for more advanced logic or integrations. In this way, speed and simplicity are combined with flexibility and scalability.
What is a no-code platform?
A no-code platform (NC platform) makes it possible to build applications completely without code. The user works in a graphical interface with ready-made components, which means that even business roles without a technical background can build solutions. No-code is particularly suitable for simpler apps, internal workflows and prototypes that need to be produced quickly.
No-code provides high availability (for non-technical users) but has limitations in terms of flexibility and expandability. Organizations that have more complex needs often need to use low-code instead.
Advantages, risks and limitations of low-code and no-code
The difference between low-code and no-code is mainly about target group, complexity and flexibility. No-code is best for business users who want to build simpler solutions quickly, while low-code is aimed at both business and IT when the requirements for logic, integration and long-term management are greater.
Many platforms combine both approaches. In this way, organizations can start simply but at the same time grow towards more advanced needs without changing tools.
Advantages of low-code and no-code
- Faster development with ready-made “building blocks”
- Lower costs and less dependence on large development teams
- Better collaboration between business and IT
- Support for automation and integration that simplifies connections to existing systems
- Scalability that allows solutions to grow with the organization
- Quick adaptation to new rules and requirements as the platforms enable short change cycles
Risks and limitations
- Vendor lock-in can be costly in the long run, therefore it is important to choose platforms that support open standards
- Security and compliance must be prioritized with features such as authentication and logging
- Scalability can be a challenge in simpler platforms, especially when the organization's needs grow
- Without governance, you risk creating unmanageable solutions
Low-code and security in a complex IT environment
In a complex IT environment, it is both more difficult and more important to get security in place. Rapid development is not automatically the same as secure development. When organizations evaluate low-code/no-code (LCNC) platforms, one of the first questions is: How secure are they really?
Regulatory requirements and governance
For many Swedish organizations, especially in finance, healthcare or the public sector, compliance with regulations such as GDPR, NIS2 or DORA is crucial. Here it is important to know that enterprise low-code platforms are a separate category of tools, specially designed for larger organizations with high demands on security and governance. They offer:
- Role-based access control (RBAC) to control who gets to do what
- Single Sign-On (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure access
- Audit logs and traceability that facilitate auditing and compliance
- Support for CI/CD and version management to avoid security holes in the development chain
It's not just about technology but also about governance, that is, how you manage and administer the applications that are built. A platform with built-in governance functions makes it easier to keep track of data protection, roles and changes as the organization grows.
Partner or own journey?
Another crucial factor is who uses the platform. If you work with a partner who already has established experience of the platform, the risk of mistakes and security gaps is significantly lower.
However, if the organization purchases a new tool for internal use, training, change management and new processes are required. In that phase, security flaws often arise, not because the platform itself is insecure, but because the routines surrounding its use have not yet settled.
At Multisoft, we have worked with low-code for over 30 years and developed Softadmin®, our own platform for business-critical systems. With Softadmin®, business and IT can together go from idea to finished system in weeks instead of months.
The platform makes it possible to deliver customized solutions that can be scaled up as needs change and when Softadmin® is combined with AI, the path towards hyperautomation opens.
Forrester estimates that 87% of developers in companies already use low-code platforms for parts of their development.
Forrester estimates that the market for low-code is growing by about 21% annually until 2028.
Future outlook – where are low-code and no-code heading?
Forrester estimates that 87% of developers in companies already use low-code platforms for parts of their development and that the market for low-code is growing by about 21% annually until 2028.
For organizations, this means that low-code is no longer an option but a necessity to keep pace with the competition. The big question is not if, but how quickly you can take the step.
75% of large companies will use at least four low-code development tools for both IT application development and initiatives within “Citizen Development”. In addition, Forrester shows that 89% of development managers in their Developer Survey 2025 are either implementing or planning to introduce Citizen Development as a strategy.
What is Citizen Development?
Citizen Development is a closely related concept and is about giving employees without a programming background the opportunity to build applications themselves using user-friendly low-code or no-code tools. The purpose is to relieve the IT department, increase the pace of development and create solutions that are closer to the business's needs.
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