In the fast-evolving world of technology, low-code platforms have gained prominence for empowering businesses to create applications with minimal coding effort. These platforms are known for their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quick development cycles. However, with the growing popularity of low-code solutions, there’s a rising concern about vendor lock-in, especially as subscription costs continue to rise.
In this post, we aim to discuss the issue of rising licensing costs that many traditional low-code users are struggling with. These users are experiencing a staggering 200% or more increase in their license fees. Sometimes even their allowed platform usage is being reduced at the same time. We’ve encountered real-life anecdotes where low-code vendors exploit their vendor lock-in by inflating license costs just to increase their own revenue.
The Rise of Low-Code Platforms
Low-code platforms enable businesses to accelerate their application development processes by reducing the need for extensive coding. They offer intuitive visual interfaces that allow users to design, build, and deploy software applications quickly. This approach is ideal for organizations looking to cut down development time and costs.
Subscription Increases: The Concern
As businesses embrace low-code solutions, they often start with manageable subscription plans. However, over time, they may experience unexpected price hikes. These increases can result from various factors, including adding new features, increased usage, or changes in the vendor’s pricing model. Particularly the (unexpected) changes in the vendor’s pricing model are currently becoming a source of frustration for many organizations seeking to maintain cost efficiency.
users are experiencing a staggering 200% or more increase in their license fees
Avoiding Vendor Lock-in
To prevent getting locked into a vendor while still enjoying the benefits of low-code platforms, businesses can take several proactive steps:
1. Evaluate Long-Term Costs
Start by thoroughly analyzing your long-term application development needs. Assess how your subscription costs may evolve over time and consider the impact on your budget.
2. Look for Open Standards
Choose low-code platforms that adhere to open standards and support portability. This ensures that your applications are not tightly bound to a specific vendor’s ecosystem.
3. Embrace Multi-Vendor Strategy
Diversify your low-code tools and platforms. Instead of relying solely on one vendor, consider using multiple solutions that can work together seamlessly. This approach provides more flexibility and reduces dependence on a single provider.
4. Data Ownership and Portability
Ensure that you retain ownership of your application data. This allows you to migrate your applications to another platform without losing critical information.
5. Negotiate Contracts Carefully
When signing subscription agreements, negotiate favorable terms, including the possibility of renegotiating pricing if your usage significantly increases.
6. Monitor Vendor Roadmaps
Stay updated on your low-code platform vendor’s roadmap. This will help you anticipate changes, plan accordingly, and assess whether the platform’s direction aligns with your long-term needs.
Conclusion
Low-code platforms are undoubtedly transformative for businesses, but they come with the risk of vendor lock-in. Currently, the market is rapidly changing to a replacement market and customers are on the lookout for an alternative, to avoid their earlier mistakes.
The Vanenburg Way: Rappit Developer
Vanenburg has mitigated the shortcomings of traditional low-code platforms. Our Rappit Developer customers are not subjected to vendor or data entanglements. We firmly believe that the future of software platforms hinges on voluntary utilization and the ongoing perception of value, as opposed to coercive subscription models that limit flexibility.
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