In this episode of Lowdown on Low Code, host John Rymer and data expert Rick Greenwald delve into the complexities of data governance within the low code movement. They discuss the challenges posed by distributed data, the elusive quest for a single source of truth, and the importance of understanding data correctness in context. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective governance strategies that align with the realities of distributed data systems and the role of developers in maintaining data integrity.

Takeaways
-Rick Greenwald has over 40 years of experience in data.
-Distributed data refers to data from multiple sources, not just geographical distribution.
-The desire for a single uniform data pool is common but challenging to achieve.
-Correctness of data is context-dependent and varies by use case.
-Governance is essential but often overlooked in data management.
-Developers play a role in data governance through their interactions with end users.
-Many systems operate in silos, reducing the need for unified governance.
-AI agents require access to diverse data but complicate governance.
-Organizations must recognize that all data is governed, whether they acknowledge it or not.
-Having too many versions of data is a sign of multiple use cases, not poor management.

In this episode of Low Down on Low-Code, hosts Rob Koplowitz and John Rymer welcome Gonçalo Borrêga from OutSystems to discuss the intersection of AI and low-code development. They explore Gonçalo's journey to OutSystems, the challenges enterprises face in leveraging AI, and the evolving role of low-code platforms in software development. The conversation highlights the importance of data management, accountability in AI decision-making, and the potential for AI to enhance business user involvement in application development. The episode concludes with insights into innovative uses of AI in the industry.

Takeaways

• Gonçalo Borrêga emphasizes the importance of vision and pragmatism in technology.
• Enterprises struggle with AI due to tool sprawl and lack of accountability.
• AI's non-deterministic nature raises security concerns for enterprises.
• Low-code development is not dead; it evolves with new technologies.
• AI can enhance the involvement of business users in software development.
• Managing data context is critical for effective AI implementation.
• Innovative uses of AI can transform legacy systems and processes.
• Low-code platforms can leverage AI for better code generation.
• The future of software development will require a blend of low-code and traditional coding.
• AI can facilitate knowledge transfer between business and IT users.

In this episode of Low Down on Low-Code, hosts Rob Koplowitz and John Rymer engage with Praveen Seshadri, founder of Thunk AI and former founder of AppSheet. They discuss the evolution of low-code and no-code platforms, the transition to intelligent applications powered by AI, and the future of software development. Praveen shares insights from his journey in tech, the challenges of traditional software development, and how AI can empower business users to create applications without needing extensive programming knowledge. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting to new technologies and the potential for democratizing software development.

Takeaways

• Praveen Seshadri has a PhD in computer science and has worked on database systems.
• He founded AppSheet, which was acquired by Google, and later started Thunk AI.
• The traditional low-code and no-code platforms are becoming less relevant due to advancements in AI.
• AI can automate the generation of deterministic code, reducing the need for human intervention.
• The future of software lies in intelligent applications that can handle ambiguity and flexibility.
• Businesses need to adopt an AI-first approach to stay competitive.
• The democratization of software development is possible with AI, empowering non-technical users.
• Reliability and consistency are crucial for deploying AI solutions in business.
• Organizations should explore both tactical and strategic approaches to AI adoption.
• The potential for AI to transform industries is vast, with opportunities for new applications.

In this episode of the Low Down on Low-Code, John Rymer, Benjamin Baer, and Linda Crowe discuss the emerging field of decision intelligence, its importance in digital process automation, and the role of community in fostering knowledge sharing among decision-making professionals. They explore the journey of establishing DecideWise, a community focused on decision intelligence, and the significance of low-code solutions in enhancing decision-making processes. The conversation also delves into the challenges of data management and governance, the shift towards a decision-first approach, and the future potential of decision intelligence in various industries.

Takeaways

• Decision intelligence automates decision-making processes.
• Community engagement is crucial for knowledge sharing.
• Low-code solutions enhance change management capabilities.
• Data management challenges persist in decision intelligence.
• The industry is shifting towards a decision-first approach.
• AI plays a significant role in decision intelligence.
• Integration of multiple technologies is essential.
• Decision intelligence is a growing market.
• Knowledge management is vital for organizational success.
• Join the DecideWise community for valuable resources.
• This podcast was edited by a human while watching Love Actually. 

In this episode of the Low Down on Low-Code podcast, hosts Francis Carden and John Rymer engage with Stevie Sims, a citizen developer from the energy sector. They explore Stevie's journey from operations to automation, the significance of citizen development, and the evolving role of AI in problem-solving. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration between IT and business, the need for domain expertise, and the challenges posed by generative AI. Stevie shares valuable insights and advice for aspiring developers, highlighting the necessity of understanding business problems and leveraging technology effectively.

Takeaways

• Stevie Sims transitioned from operations to automation in the energy sector.
• Citizen developers can significantly enhance business processes.
• Understanding turnaround events is crucial in the energy industry.
• Low-code platforms empower individuals to solve business problems.
• Continuous learning and resourcefulness are key in tech development.
• Domain expertise is essential for effective problem-solving.
• AI can accelerate development but must be approached cautiously.
• Collaboration between IT and business is vital for success.
• Generative AI poses risks of producing inaccurate information.
• Giving back to the community is a rewarding aspect of the tech journey.

NEW RESEARCH ALERT: TRANSFORM FAILING AI STRATEGIES WITH HOST
HOW HUMANS, OBJECTIVES, STRATEGY, AND TECHNOLOGY DRIVE MEASURABLE RESULTS
Julie Ask Advisory and Analysis.Tech collaborated on this critical new research. This week's Low Down on Low-Code provides an introduction.
The conversation focuses on the importance of integrating human factors into AI strategy development. It emphasizes that technology decisions should come after understanding the capabilities and readiness of the people who will use it. The discussion highlights the need for clear business objectives and evaluating use cases to ensure that AI is the right fit for organizational goals.

Takeaways

• Senior executives are pushing for AI strategies.
• Technology decisions should prioritize human readiness.
• Critical thinking skills are essential for AI use.
• Understanding user comfort with technology is crucial.
• Business objectives must guide AI implementation.
• Evaluating use cases is key to effective AI strategy.
• Training and iteration are necessary before AI deployment.
• Human beings should be at the center of AI strategy.
• AI should support clear business objectives.
• The right technology must align with user capabilities.

In this episode of Low Down on Low-Code, hosts Rob Koplowitz and John Rymer engage with Niels de Bruijn to discuss a new tool designed to help organizations select the right low-code platform for their needs. Niels shares his journey in tech, the development of the tool, its features, and the importance of understanding user requirements. The conversation also touches on the limitations of the tool, the consolidation of low-code platforms in organizations, and the integration of AI into low-code solutions.

Takeaways

• The tool provides a starting point for selecting low-code platforms.
• Niels de Bruijn has a rich background in tech and consultancy.
• Understanding user needs is crucial for platform selection.
• The tool includes demo videos for better user experience.
• AI integration is rapidly evolving in low-code platforms.
• Consultancy work is essential even after using the tool.
• The tool is free and does not require user tracking.
• Different platforms cater to different use cases.
• Consolidation of platforms is a common trend in organizations.
• The tool helps in navigating the complex low-code landscape.

In this episode of Low Down on Low-Code, hosts John Rymer and Rick Greenwald engage with Mike Hichwa, a veteran in the low-code space, discussing the evolution of low-code development, the changing roles of developers, and the importance of citizen developers. They explore the core principles of low-code, the impact of AI, and the challenges of technical debt in application development. The conversation also touches on personal interests, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the guests.

Takeaways

• Mike Hichwa has been involved in low-code development since the early days of Oracle Forms.
• The transition from traditional coding to low-code has empowered citizen developers.
• Low-code is fundamentally about creating models that abstract complex coding tasks.
• AI is poised to significantly influence the adoption of low-code platforms.
• Technical debt is becoming a major concern for organizations in application development.
• Collaboration between citizen developers and IT professionals is essential for success.
• User experience experts play a critical role in application development.
• Low-code platforms can help reduce the complexity of application development.
• Understanding the model behind low-code solutions is crucial for effective use.
• Vibe coding can be a useful tool for prototyping but has limitations.

In this episode of 'The Low Down on Low-Code', Konrad Rogers, CEO of Nextworld, John Rymer and Rick Greenwald discuss the evolution of low-code platforms in enterprise applications. Konrad shares his extensive journey in software development, highlighting the shift towards custom development and the importance of agile methodologies. The conversation delves into the role of citizen development, the foundational importance of data, and the impact of AI on low-code platforms. The discussion emphasizes the need for good design, governance, and the management of technical debt in the development process.

Takeaways
-Low code has been around longer than the term itself.
-The shift towards custom development is becoming more prevalent.
-Agile methodologies can be applied beyond software engineering.
-Citizen development requires proper support and governance.
-Data is the foundation of effective application development.
-Technical debt accumulates when changes are made without proper management.
-AI can enhance low-code platforms but does not eliminate the need for governance.
-Understanding the unique business processes is crucial for successful implementation.
-The project team must clearly understand the value they aim to deliver.
-Good design and data stewardship are essential for enterprise applications.

In this episode of Low Down on Low-Code, hosts Rob Koplowitz and Dave Marcus welcome Sean Allen from Retool to discuss the evolving landscape of low-code development. Sean shares his journey in the tech industry, highlighting the unique approach Retool takes in addressing the challenges faced by professional developers. The conversation delves into the concept of 'vibe coding' and its implications for application development, as well as the importance of creating a common platform for both professional developers and domain experts. Sean emphasizes the need for secure and trusted environments in enterprise app development, positioning Retool as a key player in this space.

Takeaways
-Sean Allen has a long history in low-code development.
-Retool focuses on professional developers to solve enterprise app challenges.
-Vibe coding is a term that has been overloaded in the industry.
-Generative AI is changing the landscape of application development.
-A common platform is essential for collaboration between developers and domain experts.
-Professional developers will still play a crucial role in app development.
-Product managers can now create applications using natural language.
-Retool aims to provide a secure environment for enterprise applications.
-The barriers to building applications have been significantly lowered.
-Retool's approach is about solving the right problems, not just checking boxes.

In this episode of Low Down on Low-Code, host John Rymer speaks with Arie Versluis from ThinkWise about the evolving landscape of low-code development, the importance of user adoption, and the critical success factors for implementing low-code solutions in enterprise environments. They discuss the role of AI, the challenges of citizen development, and the necessity of data integrity in ensuring successful digital transformations. Arie shares insights from his journey in the tech industry and emphasizes the need for collaboration between IT and business teams to drive effective low-code initiatives.

Takeaways

• User adoption is essential for technology to add value.
• Digital transformation should start with understanding business processes.
• Change management is often the bottleneck in low-code projects.
• Executive sponsorship is crucial for project success.
• Citizen development can lead to unmanageable applications.
• Data integrity is vital for AI and low-code success.
• Low-code development requires a collaborative approach between IT and business.
• Vibe coding may complicate existing codebases.
• ThinkWise focuses on enterprise-grade low-code applications.
• Technology should never become legacy; it must evolve.

In this episode of Low Down on Low-Code, Rob Koplowitz and Dave Marcus engage with Adam Seligman from Workato, discussing the evolution of AI platforms, the importance of data integration, and the challenges organizations face in implementing AI solutions. They explore Adam's journey through the tech industry, the significance of measuring AI success through business outcomes, and the necessary organizational shifts to fully leverage AI capabilities. The conversation emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to AI deployment, focusing on transformative processes rather than mere productivity gains. Adam dives into Workato MCP, a secure highly governed approach to safely harnessing the power of MCP.

Takeaways

• The AI application platform race is rapidly evolving.
• Data integration and orchestration are critical for organizations.
• Adam Seligman's journey highlights the importance of understanding diverse developer needs.
• AI's potential lies in transforming business processes, not just enhancing productivity.
• Organizations should focus on measurable business outcomes when implementing AI.
• The transition from pilot projects to production requires careful governance and risk management.
• Vibe coding platforms can enhance the development of enterprise applications.
• A clear evaluation set is essential for assessing AI project success.
• IT departments must ensure that various systems work together seamlessly.
• The industry must learn from past mistakes to avoid pitfalls in AI deployment.

In this episode of Low Down on Low-Code, Rob Koplowitz and Rick Greenwald discuss the governance of AI in enterprises, focusing on a new research project conducted in collaboration with Microsoft. They explore the risks associated with AI, the importance of a structured governance framework, and the need for centers of excellence to effectively implement AI technologies. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of understanding both the potential benefits and risks of AI, advocating for a balanced approach to its deployment in business environments.

Takeaways
-AI governance is crucial for enterprise success.
-The foundations of AI pose significant risks that must be managed
-Outlawing AI leads to unregulated use.
-Proper governance can mitigate AI risks.
-Data security is paramount in AI governance.
-The VRPP framework helps assess AI value and risk.
-Centers of excellence are vital for AI implementation.
-Understanding AI's non-deterministic nature is essential.
-Rigor in AI projects is necessary to avoid pitfalls.
-Collaboration with established firms like Microsoft enhances governance. 

In this episode, Rob Koplowitz and John Rymer engage with Alex Landis, a founding member of the FinOps Foundation, to explore the evolving landscape of FinOps and its integration with emerging technologies. The conversation delves into the definition of FinOps, its significance across various industries, the challenges of data management, and the impact of AI on financial operations. Alex shares insights on governance, best practices, and the future of FinOps, emphasizing the importance of making informed investments and leveraging technology for better communication and efficiency.

Takeaways

• FinOps is essential for managing cloud costs effectively.
• Understanding platform operations is crucial for financial performance.
• AI presents both opportunities and challenges for FinOps professionals.
• Data management in FinOps is complex and requires sophisticated tools.
• Governance in AI usage is critical to avoid unnecessary spending.
• The role of FinOps is growing as companies invest more in technology.
• Effective communication between finance and engineering is vital.
• Automation can significantly improve forecasting processes.
• Empowering teams to self-serve with data tools enhances efficiency.
• The FinOps Foundation is a valuable resource for best practices.

In this episode of the podcast, the discussion revolves around the evolving landscape of low-code development, the impact of AI, and the role of systems integrators like Virtusa. Greg Price shares his extensive experience in IT and low-code, emphasizing the importance of process design, managing technical debt, and navigating vendor lock-in. The conversation highlights the need for a pragmatic approach to technology adoption, the significance of orchestration in business processes, and the future of low-code in conjunction with AI capabilities.

Takeaways

• Low-code development is gaining traction due to AI advancements.
• Technical debt remains a significant challenge for organizations.
• The role of systems integrators is crucial in navigating low-code implementations.
• AI can accelerate development but requires careful management.
• Vendor lock-in concerns are leading to a preference for composable architectures.
• Process design and orchestration are essential for successful low-code applications.
• Organizations must focus on remediating technical and process debt.
• The future of low-code will involve deeper integration with AI technologies.
• Understanding business processes is key to effective low-code solutions.
• Innovation in low-code is driven by a combination of technology and human expertise.

In this episode of Lowdown on Lowcode, hosts Rob Koplowitz and Dave Marcus engage with Marshall Sied from Ashling Partners to explore the evolving landscape of low code, digital process automation, and AI. They discuss the importance of education, governance, and orchestration in automation projects, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies. Marshall shares insights from his extensive experience in the consulting space, emphasizing the need for organizations to focus on value realization and continuous deployment methodologies. The conversation also touches on the significance of experimentation and the future of applications in a rapidly changing technological environment.

Takeaways

• Marshall Sied emphasizes the importance of education in automation.
• Organizations are increasingly conflicted about AI and automation.
• Value realization is crucial for successful automation projects.
• Continuous deployment methodologies are essential for achieving value.
• Governance is critical in managing automation technologies.
• Experimentation is encouraged in the current automation landscape.
• Orchestration is becoming a key focus for automation companies.
• Capability mapping should precede tool mapping in technology selection.
• Organizations need to be cautious with low-code and AI technologies.
• The future of applications will involve more productization and composability.

In this episode of Low Down on Low-Code, hosts Rob Koplowitz and John Rymer engage with Kari Moeller to explore the intersection of process optimization and AI. They discuss the importance of documentation and modeling in managing changes brought by AI, the need to reimagine business processes, and the role of technology in achieving desired outcomes. Kari shares her insights on consulting, the challenges of data management, and how organizations can leverage AI as a digital assistant to enhance their operations. The conversation emphasizes the critical need for organizations to understand their technology landscape and align their strategies with clear outcomes.

Takeaways

• The intersection of process and technology is crucial for optimization.
• Documentation and modeling are essential for managing AI changes.
• AI should be viewed as a digital assistant, not a replacement for human roles.
• Organizations must start with outcomes to drive effective change.
• Understanding the technology landscape is vital for successful implementation.
• Data quality is more important than quantity in decision-making.
• Reimagining processes can lead to significant improvements in efficiency.
• AI can amplify both good and bad processes, necessitating careful management.
• Consulting practices should focus on empowering business users with data.
• Future customers will be those who experience the processes firsthand.

In this episode of Lowdown on Low-Code, Rob Koplowitz and John Rymer engage with Nick Cawthon from Gauge to explore the evolving landscape of design and application development. They discuss Nick's journey into design, the current flux in the industry, the impact of AI on user experience, and the importance of understanding user needs in 2025. The conversation emphasizes the human element in design and the necessity for collaboration between designers and developers, highlighting tools like Figma that facilitate this relationship.

Takeaways

• Nick Cawthon's journey into design began with a childhood experience of flow state.
• The design industry is currently experiencing significant changes and flux.
• AI is reshaping user experience, making it more about emotions than interfaces.
• Designers must focus on qualitative research to understand user emotions.
• Efficiency in design must not compromise the effectiveness of user experience.
• Understanding user experience in 2025 requires a holistic approach.
• The relationship between designers and developers is evolving positively.
• Tools like Figma are crucial for collaboration in design and development.
• Mitigating risks in design is essential to avoid dead-on-arrival products.
• The human element in design remains irreplaceable despite technological advancements.

In this episode of Lowdown on Low Code, hosts Dave Marcus and John Rymer engage with Massimo Pezzini, a veteran in the field of integration and orchestration. They discuss the evolution of orchestration as a foundational need for modern business applications, the challenges of data synchronization, and the convergence of integration and orchestration technologies. The conversation also touches on the importance of governance in distributed systems and the growing role of AI in enhancing business processes. Massimo shares insights on how organizations can effectively navigate these challenges and leverage technology for better outcomes.

Takeaways

• Orchestration is broader than just workflow; it automates end-to-end business processes.
• Integration and orchestration are increasingly becoming integrated disciplines.
• Governance is essential for effective orchestration and cannot be an afterthought.
• AI can significantly enhance business processes when integrated effectively.
• Organizations should have a unified integration team to address various integration challenges.
• Mid-size organizations tend to favor integrated platforms due to skill limitations.
• The complexity of integration challenges varies, requiring different technological solutions.
• Trust in AI is growing as organizations find well-defined use cases for its application.
• Data integration and application integration are complementary and should be considered together.
• The trend is towards platforms that offer a comprehensive suite of services for application development.

This conversation explores the state of low-code technology in India, highlighting its growth, challenges, and the impact of AI on its adoption. The discussion features insights from Abhishek Anant Garg, an analyst at QKS Group, who shares his perspective on the low-code landscape, particularly focusing on the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the challenges faced by Indian vendors in competing with established players in the global market. The conversation also delves into the adoption of low-code by professional developers and its implications for industrial organizations.

Takeaways

• India is a service-based economy with a growing low-code market.
• SMEs are leading the adoption of low-code technologies in India.
• Indian vendors like Zoho and Kissflow cater effectively to SMEs.
• Low-code helps organizations achieve rapid prototyping and automation.
• AI is expected to significantly boost low-code adoption in India.
• Governance and maturity in low-code practices are still developing.
• Professional developers are complementing their work with low-code tools.
• Industrial organizations are slowly adopting low-code for operational efficiency.
• Citizen development is in its early stages in India.
• The partnership between IT service firms and low-code vendors is crucial for growth.