OutSystems transforms your No Code and Low Code workflow with AI. Build apps faster, slash dev time, and unlock new potential. See how.
Why OutSystems Is a Smart Choice for No Code and Low Code
Alright, let’s cut to the chase.
The world of Coding and Developing is changing.
Fast.
AI tools are everywhere.
They’re promising the moon.
Faster results. Less grind. More wins.
Especially when you’re looking at the No Code and Low Code space.
It’s exploding.
Everyone wants to build apps without writing mountains of code.
Or at least, needing way less code than before.
But are these tools actually delivering?
Or are they just adding more complexity?
More things to learn, more subscriptions, more headaches.
You’re probably asking yourself:
Which tool is the real deal?
Which one actually moves the needle?
Which one saves me time and makes me more money?
Today, we’re talking about OutSystems.
Specifically, OutSystems for No Code and Low Code.
And whether it’s worth your time, your energy, and your cash.
Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
- What is OutSystems?
- Key Features of OutSystems for No Code and Low Code
- Benefits of Using OutSystems for Coding and Developing
- Pricing & Plans
- Hands-On Experience / Use Cases
- Who Should Use OutSystems?
- How to Make Money Using OutSystems
- Limitations and Considerations
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is OutSystems?
Okay, so what exactly is OutSystems?
Think of it as a platform.
A seriously powerful platform.
It’s designed to help you build serious applications.
Not just simple websites or landing pages.
We’re talking enterprise-grade apps.
Apps that can handle complex logic, integrate with other systems, and scale.
They call it a “high-performance low-code platform”.
That’s the marketing speak.
What it means for you is this:
It gives you the tools to build apps visually.
Drag and drop interfaces.
Visual modeling of data and processes.
That’s the “low-code” part.
You write less code.
A lot less.
The platform handles the heavy lifting.
Generating code behind the scenes.
Managing dependencies.
Handling deployments.
But it’s not just low-code.
It also has strong capabilities for developers.
If you need to write custom code, you can.
If you need to integrate with existing systems using code, you can.
This makes it flexible.
It bridges the gap between pure No Code (where you write zero code) and traditional coding.
It’s built for teams.
Different skill levels can work together.
Business analysts can model processes.
Developers can build custom components.
Everyone uses the same platform.
It speeds things up.
Development cycles shrink.
Getting applications out the door happens faster.
It’s used by big companies.
Companies that need serious applications built quickly and reliably.
Companies that are tired of slow, expensive traditional development.
They need applications for internal operations, for customers, for partners.
OutSystems helps them do that.
It’s not a simple drag-and-drop website builder for side hustles.
It’s a serious tool for building serious software.
But how does it fit into the AI story we talked about earlier?
And how does it help with No Code and Low Code?
Let’s dig into the features.
Key Features of OutSystems for No Code and Low Code
- Visual Development:
This is the core of the OutSystems No Code and Low Code approach.
You’re not looking at lines of code.
You’re looking at flowcharts.
Visual representations of your application logic.
You drag elements onto a canvas.
Connect them to define processes.
Build user interfaces by arranging pre-built components.
This drastically reduces the need for traditional coding knowledge.
Someone who understands the business process can translate it directly into an application workflow.
It’s intuitive.
It’s fast.
It allows people who aren’t full-time developers to contribute significantly.
Think of business analysts, process experts, even power users.
They can build functional parts of an application.
This accelerates development cycles.
Gets apps into users’ hands faster.
Reduces the bottleneck of relying solely on experienced developers.
It democratizes app building.
Not everyone needs to be a coding guru to make an application happen.
OutSystems makes building complex applications accessible.
Even for those with limited coding experience.
That’s the magic of its visual interface.
- AI-Powered Assistance:
Okay, here’s where AI comes into play with OutSystems.
OutSystems isn’t just a visual builder.
It uses AI to make the development process smarter and faster.
Think of features like AI-guided development.
The platform can analyze your application logic.
Suggest next steps.
Point out potential errors.
Recommend best practices.
This is huge.
It’s like having an experienced co-pilot.
Especially helpful for people new to the platform or new to app development in general.
It can help with data modeling.
Suggesting database structures based on your needs.
It can help with user interface design.
Recommending layouts or components.
It even helps with debugging.
Pinpointing issues before they become major problems.
This isn’t just theoretical AI.
It’s practical AI.
AI embedded directly into the development workflow.
It makes the No Code and Low Code experience more intelligent.
Reduces errors.
Speeds up troubleshooting.
Allows you to build more robust applications, faster.
This AI assistance is a key differentiator.
It elevates OutSystems beyond simple visual builders.
It provides a layer of intelligence that helps you build better apps.
With less effort.
- Full Stack Capabilities:
OutSystems isn’t just about building the pretty front-end.
Or just the database.
It’s a full-stack platform.
Meaning it handles everything.
User interface (UI).
Business logic.
Data management.
Integrations with other systems.
Deployment and management.
All within one platform.
This is critical for serious applications.
You don’t need to stitch together multiple tools.
One for the front-end, one for the back-end, one for the database, one for integrations.
That quickly becomes a mess.
OutSystems provides a unified environment.
You define your data model visually.
Build your business logic visually.
Design your UI visually.
Connect to external systems.
Then deploy your application.
All from the same tool.
This unified approach simplifies development.
Reduces complexity.
Ensures consistency across the application.
It allows teams to focus on building the application, not managing fragmented toolchains.
For Coding and Developing professionals, even those leaning into low-code, this full-stack capability is a major benefit.
It means you can build complete, robust applications without needing to be an expert in every single technology layer.
OutSystems abstracts away much of that complexity.
Allowing you to deliver functional applications faster.
Benefits of Using OutSystems for Coding and Developing
Okay, we’ve looked at what OutSystems is and some of its key features.
But what does that mean for you?
What are the actual benefits of using this platform, especially in the world of No Code and Low Code?
Benefit number one: **Speed**.
This is the big one.
OutSystems is built for speed.
Building visually is faster than writing code line by line.
Using pre-built components is faster than building everything from scratch.
The AI assistance helps you avoid mistakes and find solutions quicker.
The full-stack approach eliminates the need to coordinate different tools and teams for different parts of the app.
It significantly reduces the time it takes to go from an idea to a deployed application.
We’re talking weeks instead of months, or days instead of weeks for smaller projects.
This speed isn’t just about getting things done faster.
It means you can respond to business needs quicker.
Launch new initiatives.
Adapt to market changes.
Get feedback faster and iterate.
Second benefit: **Reduced Technical Debt**.
This is a killer in traditional development.
Code gets messy.
Libraries become outdated.
Fixing old code becomes a nightmare.
OutSystems generates clean, standardized code.
The platform handles updates and compatibility.
This keeps your applications maintainable.
Reduces the long-term cost and headache of dealing with legacy systems.
Third benefit: **Collaboration**.
The visual interface is a common language.
Developers, business users, designers can all understand the application’s structure and logic.
This improves communication.
Reduces misunderstandings.
Allows teams to work together more effectively.
It breaks down the silos between business and IT.
Fourth benefit: **Integration Capabilities**.
No application lives in a vacuum.
You need to connect to existing databases, APIs, and other systems.
OutSystems makes this relatively straightforward.
It provides tools to visually define integrations.
Connect to external data sources.
Consume or expose APIs.
This is crucial for building applications that fit into your existing technology landscape.
It ensures that applications built on OutSystems can talk to everything else.
Fifth benefit: **Scalability and Security**.
OutSystems applications are built to scale.
The platform handles deployment and infrastructure.
Ensuring your applications can handle increased load.
Security is built-in at multiple levels.
User authentication, authorization, data encryption.
This is essential for enterprise applications.
You don’t have to worry about building these complex features from scratch.
OutSystems handles a lot of the heavy lifting.
These benefits translate into real value.
Faster delivery.
Lower maintenance costs.
Better collaboration.
More robust and secure applications.
This is why organisations are turning to platforms like OutSystems for their Coding and Developing needs.
Especially when they need speed and efficiency.
Pricing & Plans
Alright, let’s talk money.
This is where things can get a little less straightforward with enterprise platforms.
OutSystems is not a cheap tool for hobbyists.
It’s built for businesses.
Businesses that need to build and deploy serious applications.
They don’t publish simple, fixed pricing tiers like a SaaS tool for individuals.
Their pricing is typically based on the size and complexity of your usage.
Things like the number of users, the number of applications you deploy, and the resources you consume.
They have different editions or plans.
There’s usually a free edition.
This free edition is great for learning the platform.
Building small, non-critical applications.
Getting a feel for how it works.
It usually has limitations.
Limited storage, limited users, maybe limited features compared to the paid versions.
But it allows you to kick the tires.
See if the visual development style and low-code approach fit your needs.
For serious business use, you’ll need a paid plan.
These are often enterprise-level subscriptions.
They involve talking to their sales team.
Getting a custom quote based on your specific requirements.
This isn’t like signing up for a $50/month software.
It’s a significant investment.
But the value proposition is built around saving time and resources in the long run.
If OutSystems helps you build applications three, five, or even ten times faster than traditional methods, the cost can be justified.
Compared to alternatives?
Other high-end low-code platforms might have similar pricing models.
They compete in the enterprise space.
Where the value is in accelerating digital transformation and building critical business applications.
Not necessarily in being the cheapest tool on the market.
If you’re just looking for a simple No Code tool to build a basic form or landing page, OutSystems is probably overkill.
And too expensive.
If you’re a company that needs to build custom applications, integrate with complex systems, and needs enterprise-grade security and scalability, then the pricing becomes relevant.
It’s an investment in your development capability.
An investment that pays off by reducing the cost and time of building software.
So, yes, there’s a free version to try.
But be prepared for enterprise-level pricing if you plan to use it for your business.
Hands-On Experience / Use Cases
Let’s get practical.
What does using OutSystems for No Code and Low Code actually look like?
Imagine you need to build an internal application.
Let’s say, a system to track project progress.
Traditional development?
Months of requirements gathering, design, coding, testing, deployment.
Using OutSystems?
You start by defining your data model visually.
What information do you need? Projects, tasks, team members, statuses.
You drag entities onto a canvas.
Define the relationships between them.
Then, you build the user interface.
Drag and drop input forms, tables, dashboards.
Connect them to your data model.
Build the logic.
What happens when a task status changes?
When a new project is created?
You define these workflows using visual diagrams.
If you need a custom calculation or integration, you might use some low-code elements or even a bit of traditional code if necessary.
But the core flow is visual.
The platform helps you along the way.
Suggesting connections, flagging errors.
Once you’re ready, you deploy the application with a click.
The platform handles putting it onto servers, setting up databases, everything.
This entire process is dramatically faster than traditional development.
Case study example: A large logistics company needed a custom application for managing their warehouse operations.
Their existing system was old, inflexible, and expensive to maintain.
Traditional development estimates were over a year and millions of dollars.
They used OutSystems.
A small team, mixing developers and business process experts, built and deployed the initial version of the application in just a few months.
They could rapidly iterate based on feedback from warehouse staff.
Adding new features and improving workflows quickly.
This is the real impact.
It’s not just theoretical speed.
It’s delivering actual, working software faster.
Another use case: Modernising legacy systems.
Many companies are stuck with old, clunky software that’s essential but impossible to update.
OutSystems can be used to build new applications that connect to these legacy systems.
Providing a modern user interface and adding new functionality.
Without having to rip out the old system entirely.
This reduces risk and cost.
These examples show where OutSystems shines.
Building complex, integrated business applications.
Quickly and reliably.
Leveraging the power of Coding and Developing with a low-code approach.
Who Should Use OutSystems?
So, who is OutSystems actually for?
It’s definitely not for everyone.
If you’re a solo blogger looking to build a simple website, no.
If you’re a small business needing a basic online store, probably not.
OutSystems is geared towards organisations.
Companies that have complex business processes.
That need custom applications to support those processes.
Companies that need to integrate with various existing systems.
Companies that are feeling the pain of slow traditional software development.
Companies that need enterprise-grade security, scalability, and reliability.
Think mid-sized to large enterprises.
Organisations in industries like finance, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, government.
Where specific, tailored software is a competitive advantage or a necessity.
It’s for IT departments that need to deliver more applications, faster, with limited resources.
It’s for teams looking to adopt a No Code and Low Code strategy at scale.
Empowering more people within the organisation to build solutions.
It’s for professional developers who want to increase their productivity.
Spend less time on repetitive coding tasks.
Focus on the unique, complex parts of an application.
It’s also for business analysts and domain experts.
People who deeply understand a specific business need.
OutSystems gives them the tools to directly build applications that address those needs.
Reducing the translation layers between business and IT.
In essence, OutSystems is for organisations that see software as a critical part of their strategy.
And are looking for a way to build that software faster, more flexibly, and more efficiently.
If you’re facing long development backlogs, high costs, or struggling to adapt to changing business needs, OutSystems could be a good fit.
If your Coding and Developing team is overwhelmed, it could be the solution.
But if your needs are simple, look for simpler, less expensive tools.
How to Make Money Using OutSystems
Alright, let’s talk brass tacks.
How do you turn using OutSystems into revenue?
This platform is an investment.
So you need to see a return.
For organisations using it internally, the money is made through efficiency and speed.
Building applications faster means getting products to market sooner.
Optimising internal processes saves operating costs.
Creating better customer experiences leads to increased sales or retention.
Developing applications that directly generate revenue, like a new customer portal or a mobile app for services.
These are direct and indirect ways companies make money by building software with OutSystems.
But what about individuals or service providers?
- Offer OutSystems Development Services:
Become a consultant or agency specialising in OutSystems development.
Businesses need people who know how to use this platform.
Especially companies new to low-code.
You can build custom applications for clients.
Migrate their legacy systems to OutSystems.
Integrate OutSystems apps with their existing software.
This is a high-value service.
Companies pay good money to accelerate their digital initiatives.
Knowing OutSystems is a sought-after skill in the enterprise space.
- Build and Sell Templates or Components:
OutSystems has a marketplace.
You can build reusable components or application templates.
If you build a great template for a specific industry need, like field service management or customer onboarding.
You can potentially sell that template to multiple companies.
Or build complex integrations as reusable components and offer them.
This creates a productized service or a recurring revenue stream.
You do the work once, sell it many times.
- Provide Training and Support:
As with any powerful platform, there’s a need for training.
Companies implementing OutSystems need to train their teams.
You can offer training courses, workshops, or ongoing support services.
Help companies get the most out of their OutSystems investment.
Become an expert and teach others.
This leverages your knowledge directly.
It’s another way to provide value and generate income.
Consider John, a developer who used to build custom applications using traditional coding.
He switched to specialising in OutSystems.
He found he could build applications for clients much faster.
This meant he could take on more projects.
Charge competitive rates while maintaining good profit margins.
He started with small projects, building internal tools for local businesses.
As he gained experience, he took on larger, more complex enterprise projects.
He even built a reusable component for integrating with a popular accounting system.
Now he sells that component to other OutSystems users.
He built a reputation as a go-to expert for OutSystems in his region.
His income significantly increased compared to his traditional development days.
Because he was leveraging a platform that allowed him to deliver value faster.
Making money with OutSystems isn’t about a push-button solution.
It’s about leveraging a powerful tool to build valuable software solutions.
And charging for the speed, expertise, and results you deliver.
Whether you’re an employee within a company or an external service provider.
OutSystems provides the capability to build software that businesses need.
And that’s where the money is.
Limitations and Considerations
No tool is perfect.
OutSystems is powerful, yes.
But it has limitations and considerations you need to be aware of.
Limitation number one: **Cost**.
As we discussed, it’s not cheap for business use.
The enterprise pricing can be a barrier for smaller companies or those with limited budgets.
You need to have a clear return on investment strategy before you commit.
Consider the total cost of ownership, including training and ongoing maintenance.
Limitation number two: **Learning Curve**.
While it’s a low-code platform, it’s not necessarily simple for a complete beginner with zero technical background to build complex applications right away.
There’s still a learning curve.
You need to understand application architecture, data modeling, and logic.
The visual interface simplifies things, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for understanding core development concepts.
Formal training or experience working with the platform is often necessary.
Limitation number three: **Vendor Lock-in**.
When you build applications on a specific platform like OutSystems, you become dependent on that platform.
Migrating a complex OutSystems application to a different technology stack can be difficult and costly.
You need to be comfortable with the idea of committing to the OutSystems ecosystem.
This isn’t unique to OutSystems; it’s a common factor with most high-end platforms.
Limitation number four: **Flexibility for Highly Unique Requirements**.
While OutSystems is flexible and allows custom code, there might be edge cases.
Extremely specific, highly novel technical requirements.
Where a pure custom-coded solution might offer more fine-grained control or optimization.
However, for the vast majority of business applications, OutSystems is more than capable.
It’s about finding the right tool for the job.
OutSystems is built for speed and standardization.
Consideration: **Team Skills**.
You need a team with the right mix of skills.
People who understand the business problems.
People who can leverage the visual development tools.
And potentially developers who can handle integrations or custom components.
Training your existing team or hiring people with OutSystems experience is part of the process.
Consideration: **Integration Complexity**.
While OutSystems simplifies integrations, connecting to very old, obscure, or poorly documented legacy systems can still be challenging.
The platform provides the tools, but the complexity of the external system can be a bottleneck.
These aren’t necessarily deal-breakers.
But they are factors you need to evaluate.
OutSystems is a powerful tool for accelerating Coding and Developing, especially in the No Code and Low Code space.
But like any major software platform, it requires investment, learning, and careful planning.
Final Thoughts
So, is OutSystems a smart choice for No Code and Low Code in Coding and Developing?
Based on what we’ve covered, for the right organisation, absolutely yes.
It’s not just another tool.
It’s a platform that can fundamentally change how you build software.
It bridges the gap between business needs and technical solutions.
Empowering teams to deliver applications at speed.
The visual development approach makes complex tasks manageable.
The AI assistance adds a layer of intelligence that guides users.
The full-stack capabilities mean you can build complete, robust applications.
The benefits are clear: faster time to market, lower maintenance costs, improved collaboration, and the ability to tackle the application backlog.
It’s an investment, no doubt.
The cost and learning curve are factors to consider.
But for companies that rely on custom software to operate and compete, the potential ROI is massive.
It allows you to be agile in a world that demands constant change.
It enables you to build the specific tools your business needs.
Without being limited by traditional development bottlenecks.
If you’re an organisation struggling with slow development cycles.
Or you need to empower non-developers to contribute to application building.
Or you need to modernise outdated systems.
OutSystems is definitely worth evaluating.
It’s a mature, powerful platform with a track record of helping companies succeed.
It’s not a magic bullet that eliminates all challenges in software development.
But it provides a powerful accelerator.
A way to leverage the principles of low-code and no-code.
To build serious, enterprise-grade applications.
Faster and more efficiently than ever before.
My recommendation?
If your organisation fits the profile – complex needs, need for speed, desire to leverage low-code – give the free version a try.
Get a feel for the platform.
Then, talk to their team to understand the business case and pricing for your specific needs.
It could be the platform that unlocks your next level of software delivery.
Visit the official OutSystems website
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is OutSystems used for?
OutSystems is used for building and deploying enterprise-grade web and mobile applications.
It’s primarily used by businesses.
To create custom software that supports their operations, engages customers, and streamlines processes.
It’s particularly strong for complex applications.
Applications that require integration with other systems.
2. Is OutSystems free?
OutSystems offers a free edition.
This free version is suitable for learning and building small, non-critical applications.
For business use and deploying larger or critical applications, paid enterprise plans are required.
Pricing for business use is typically custom and based on usage.
3. How does OutSystems compare to other AI tools?
OutSystems is different from many AI tools focused on content generation or simple automation.
It’s an AI-assisted low-code platform for building complex software applications.
It uses AI to help with the development process itself.
Suggesting logic, finding errors, and guiding users.
It competes more directly with other high-end low-code or rapid application development platforms.
4. Can beginners use OutSystems?
Yes, beginners can use OutSystems, especially with the visual development tools.
However, building complex business applications requires understanding concepts like data modeling and application logic.
The platform simplifies development.
But it’s not a simple drag-and-drop tool for absolute non-technical users building basic things.
There is a learning curve, and some training is beneficial.
5. Does the content created by OutSystems meet quality and optimization standards?
OutSystems doesn’t “create content” in the way AI writing tools do.
It creates software applications.
The applications built on OutSystems can meet high standards of quality, performance, and security.
The platform generates optimized code behind the scenes.
Developers and users are responsible for ensuring the application logic and design meet functional requirements and quality standards.
6. Can I make money with OutSystems?
Yes, you can make money with OutSystems.
Companies use it internally to build applications that save costs or generate revenue.
Individuals and agencies can offer OutSystems development services to clients.
You can also build and sell reusable components or application templates on the OutSystems marketplace.
It’s a platform for building valuable software solutions, and that’s where the earning potential lies.
