Low code innovation predictions for 2021 from Gigaom

Distributed architectures drive development. We’re seeing a great deal of interest in microservices, containers, serverless, not just for new-build but also as a way to reface older applications and data. These architectures, which will also be hugely important for Edge and IoT, have an impact on how applications are built, as each distributed service needs to be fit for purpose, right-sized, and suitably secured. 

Low-code expands in use but is still code.

Low code is clearly a great on-ramp to innovation, enabling new ideas to be explored quickly, including by non-IT people. However, from our research, we know that the code needs to exist somewhere: low-code is best seen as a form of outsourcing to a software platform provider, with all its ramifications. In addition, age-old challenges such as version control, requirements management, and so on do not magically vanish with low code. 

Terraform-based infrastructure as code models increases in prevalence.

We are seeing increasing numbers of organizations look to IaC in general, and Terraform in particular: while this means that vendor-specific features are less available, it also reduces lock-in. The use of IaC is also driving interest in tools that can secure, manage, and control its delivery. 

Pipeline platforms consolidate and become more manageable.

A welcome evolution of the DevOps space is a vendor move from best of the breed to consolidation-through-acquisition. Whilst choice is a good thing, current pipelines can be fragmented and complex, and a level of standardization would be very welcome as well as bringing in governance features such as DevSecOps and overall visibility, for example via Value Stream Management.  

Automation remains a major key to unlocking software delivery value.

Whilst it may appear that organizations across the board are already full-on DevOps, and doing everything right, the fact remains that most still struggle with scaling core notions of continuous integration, delivery, and deployment. Getting this right requires the automation of core elements of best practice, including review gates and feedback loops, such that pipeline bottlenecks can be unblocked and throughput increased.

About Jon Collins

Jon is a seasoned analyst and technology commentator. With 28 years’ background in the technology industry, Jon has a deep understanding of global infrastructures, architectures, security, and governance, as well as hands-on experience of delivery in a variety of sectors. Jon is the author of a Security Architect book for the British Computer Society and co-author of The Technology Garden, which offers jargon-free advice on sustainable IT delivery. He has written numerous papers and guides about getting the most out of technology and is an accomplished speaker, facilitator, and presenter.