Open and Standard technologies in Low-Code improve development quality

In the software development landscape, Low-Code has emerged as a strategic solution to accelerate application creation and boost IT team productivity. However, not all low-code platforms are the same: many have limitations that can hinder innovation and developer freedom

This article analyzes the main issues with proprietary Low-Code Platforms and explains how choosing open and standard technologies, like those adopted by the WebRatio Platform, represents a turning point for application managers and development teams.

The challenges of Low-Code Platforms: Vendor Lock-In and proprietary technologies 

One of the main obstacles of traditional low-code platforms is the risk of Vendor Lock-In. This occurs when a company becomes dependent on a single vendor, making it difficult and costly to migrate to other solutions or integrate new technologies.

The main causes include:

• Use of proprietary formats for data and code, which are not reusable outside the platform. 

• Dependency on APIs, libraries, and tools exclusive to the vendor.

• Limited access to source code, which prevents customization, security audits, and regulatory compliance.

• High licensing and migration costs, especially when pricing models change. 

Many platforms impose proprietary languages and technologies, often known only within small communities. This limits the availability of skilled professionals, the ability to integrate with other systems, and the overall quality of the final product, which may suffer from scalability, performance, and robustness issues.

The benefits of Open Technologies and Standards in Low-Code 

Adopting a platform like WebRatio Platform, based on recognized open and standard technologies, offers several concrete benefits for application managers and development teams.

Here are the key advantages: 

• Interoperability: Standard technologies allow applications to communicate easily with other systems, enabling quick and seamless integrations.

• Freedom of choice: standards eliminate the risk of vendor lock-in, making it easier to switch providers or integrate new technologies without constraints.

• Guaranteed quality: International standards undergo rigorous validation processes, ensuring both the technology and the developed software quality. 

• Reduced technical debt: The quality guaranteed by standard technologies reduces the need for ongoing maintenance and code updates.

• Accelerated innovation: Relying on shared technologies allows teams to tap into a large developer community and quickly adopt new features and best practices.

• Sustainability and future-proofing: Open standard solutions are easier to update and remain relevant over time, protecting the investment made.

• Cost reduction: Lower integration, training, and maintenance costs thanks to the widespread availability of skills in standard and open-source technologies. 

The “Open” Philosophy of WebRatio Platform

Since its inception, WebRatio has embraced an “open” philosophy, focusing on international standards and technologies to ensure maximum freedom and quality for its clients. Our low-code platform is built exclusively on: 

• Modeling standards: UML (Unified Modeling Language), BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation).

• Development technologies: Java, Angular, Apache, Eclipse, Spring, Hibernate.

• Standardized visual language: IFML (Interaction Flow Modeling Language), created by WebRatio and adopted as a standard by the OMG (Object Management Group), the same organization that defined BPMN. 

This choice allows developers to model application architecture and behavior with familiar and globally recognized tools, without having to learn proprietary languages or compromise on software quality.

Thanks to this approach, WebRatio Platform offers:

• No Vendor Lock-In: The generated code is based on standard technologies, making it easy to maintain and portable.

• Quality and robustness guaranteed: OMG standards ensure reliable development processes and high-quality software products.

• Freedom to innovate: Teams can integrate new technologies, adapt to market changes, and fully control their solutions. 

For Application Managers seeking a real open, flexible, and quality-oriented Low-Code Platform, WebRatio Platform is the ideal choice. Embracing open and standard technologies means investing in future-proof solutions, reducing risks, and maximizing development team productivity—without ever sacrificing the freedom to innovate.

Learn more about WebRatio Platform >