OutSystems’ low-code platform is unlocking creativity in the digital world.
These are 8 key features you may not be aware of… but should.
OutSystems is a giant that keeps on growing, inviting everyone to embrace digital transformation. Reactive web applications, AI-assisted development, voice commands and progressive web apps are just some of the eye-popping OutSystems’ features that meet the development imperatives for success in the digital age. So, grab a seat and get ready to be amazed. What we will cover:
What is OutSystems and why it is so exciting?
OutSystems is a high-performance low code platform with a single purpose: enable digital transformation in every organization, with a more secure, swift, and agile approach. It combines advanced mobile capabilities with the power of low-code development, with a visual approach to programming, drag-and-drop tools and automation of repetitive tasks. OutSystems speeds up the creation of software and applications, substantially reducing complexity and time-to-market.
That’s only part of the reason OutSystems excites both small and giant companies alike. For starters, with OutSystems you can build products faster and better, thanks to multiple ready to use and pre-vetted libraries. Changes are a no brainer: since most functions do not require hard coding, they can be changed around swiftly, providing the ability to test, change and evolve continuously.
OutSystems also features multiple integrations, reducing the effort of integrating databases, systems, and software. Its enhanced scalability keeps up business performance, regardless of complexity, data volume, and number of users. This technology is particularly useful for businesses concerned with their mobile experience (and who isn’t these days?). Rather than using different technology for web and mobile applications, OutSystems delivers a seamless omnichannel customer experience.
Last but certainly not least, OutSystems does not neglect safety, featuring the latest security measures. Apps built with OutSystems benefit from an extra layer of security in the application code itself, shielding them against common web and mobile application vulnerabilities.
As a result, anyone can deliver web apps and engaging native mobile experiences that provide a great user experience. However, there’s more to OutSystems than knowing how to drag and drop. Here are 8 key features everyone should know before trying it out.
8 OutSystems features you may not be aware of
Let’s take a high-level look at the most outstanding and perhaps less obvious features of OutSystems.
1. Progressive Web Apps
With OutSystems, users won’t have to download a heavy app from Google Play or Apple appstore. Applications can run in any internet browser, which simplifies app distribution among users. Progressive Web Apps are also much lighter and perform well even with lower speeds internet connections. This represents an advantage when working with multiple devices or in places with lagging internet connection.
2. Artificial Intelligence
Outsystems relies on a vast library of integrations with artificial intelligence functionalities. Therefore, it is possible, for example, to use voice recognition and video calls in apps. This means contact centres can have AI suggest solutions and products to an assistant, depending on what customers request and even on their state of mind. Besides this feature, there are several other AI solutions included in OutSystems, like chatbots, well worth exploring.
3. Code Mentor (AI-assisted development)
OutSystems comes along with a co-developer to work with you. We are talking about AI-assisted development that runs besides you in any flow throughout Service Studio. It provides various suggestions to fill in the properties for the newly created nodes that will pop-out in the list. When OutSystems gets it right, you’ll just have to press Enter key to insert it immediately. Therefore, you will be able to create logic flows faster and with more confidence, even for complex tasks.
5. Reactive web applications
With OutSystems, there is no need for expensive roundtrips to make an app reactive to user interactions, which is especially useful for apps that rely on data-intensive and dynamic interface patterns. A reactive app can mean the difference between a happy customer and a lost business opportunity. Besides, the pressure on the backend servers is also decreased, making these apps scale much better under heavy loads, leading to a smoother and pleasanter user experience.
6. Customized Branding
You can use Theme Editor to customize the overall style of your app and preview it without leaving Service Studio. Since these themes use CSS variables, it is quite easy to simply change the colours or webpages’ styles, particularly when developing multi-tenant apps, each on a different theme. There are 18 default colour palettes available, or you can custom a palette based on the main colours from the logo of your company. OutSystems also allows you to customize font, structure and shape, as well as the login screen background. You can also find built-in screen templates ready to use for developing your applications. You can choose from a different set of Web Screen Templates and Mobile Screen Templates.
6. Integration with External Services ad Robust API
OutSystems can integrate applications with external services such as databases, social media platforms, and cloud storage. This allows you to access and use data from these services within your applications, without having to worry about data migration. OutSystems provides seamless integration via SOAP, REST, or SAP APIs making it easier for developers to access data in new, meaningful ways. Exposing data is even simpler, extensive support for APIs, OutSystems makes it easy to build your own integrations. This can be done either with REST APIs or SOAP web services without hard coding.
7. Advanced Data Visualization
What if we told you could produce professional-looking reports and dashboards in your app in hours rather than weeks? From charts to maps, with HTML5 or JavaScript, developers can use OutSystems’ advanced data visualization tools to extract more information from data. Most of these reporting tools work seamlessly across desktop browsers or mobile devices. Developers can thus focus on insights’ analyses and spend less time taking care of technical implementations.
If you work on more advanced scenarios, OutSystems can step it up as well. Its open architecture excels integrates fully with the vast majority of business intelligence or data reporting tools. All it takes is a standard SQL Server or Oracle database.
8. Multi-Language Support
OutSystems also supports applications in multiple languages. You can define a primary language, and add multiple secondary languages that vary from region to region. This means you can create apps catered to a global audience.
Near Partner and OutSystems development: need a tailor-made app?
If you just fell in love with OutSystems, we totally understand. We also have a crush on low-code development. Get in touch to install and setup any OutSystems environment. At Near Partner, we can take care of the entire platform lifecycle, from initial build and integration through implementation, change management and quality assurance.
