One of the most common myths I’ve heard about low-code vendor lock-in is that it’s unavoidable. Pick any platform, the thinking goes, and you’ll be locked in within three years. That’s just part of the deal.

The only problem with that assumption: It’s wrong.

Of course, lock-in is real and exists across many low-code platforms. But it isn’t built into low-code as a category. It’s built into how a specific platform is architected. Some platforms create it. Others don’t. The trouble is that the difference is hard to see during a demo, when every vendor sounds open.

The bigger problem is, a vendor may not define “lock-in” the same way you do. The contractual definition (no clause prevents you from leaving) and the operational definition (the cost of actually leaving) are not the same thing. The architectural decisions baked into a platform are what really determine lock-in, and they are the part that doesn’t usually come up in a sales conversation.

Rather than asking about vendor lock-in, the better question is this: If you wanted to take your applications, your data, and your team and walk away, what specifically would break?

Of course, you can’t ask that question outright in a sales call. The vendor doesn’t know the answer in the abstract any more than you do. But you can answer it yourself, by working through five smaller questions. Each one tests something structural about how a low-code platform works that goes beyond what marketing and sales say about it.

Run any platform on your shortlist through these questions, and the answers will tell you exactly what leaving would cost.

The first one is the foundation. Everything else depends on the answer.

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The Low-Code Vendor Lock-In Test: Five Questions Before You SignRead More »

If you’re evaluating PowerApps for the first time in 2026, the pricing just changed.

I know…SaaS pricing changes all the time. So what? The business world has gotten used to it.

But here’s the thing. When you’re dealing with a low-code platform that creates and runs your business applications, it’s different. Your business often relies on the applications that it’s created. A pricing change can have major implications for everything you’ve built and everyone who depends on it.

I want to dig into this idea, using PowerApps’ recent change as an example. Is SaaS really the best approach for low-code?

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A PowerApps Alternative That Lets You Own the Platform (No Per-User Fees)Read More »

I’m happy to report that m-Power was just recognized by Schematiq as one of the best low-code tools available today! When you look at m-Power, it’s easy to see why. We’ve poured over 40 years of development software experience into m-Power, and it certainly shows.

That got me thinking: What makes a great low-code tool? After all, there are so many low-code tools these days. What separates the great ones from the rest of the pack?

In this short article, let’s take a quick dive into this topic.

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What are the best low-code tools?Read More »

Today, I’ll bust one of the most common myths about low-code software: The idea that low-code means low customization. 

I see this myth repeated across most low-code articles these days. The articles claim that low-code software improves development speed (which is true) at the expense of customization and flexibility. 

To be fair, some low-code tools DO have this drawback. But, all low-code tools are different. Some create websites. Some create basic web applications. Others are built for enterprise applications. Some offer customization. Others do not. 

Placing all low-code tools in one big category is like saying that cars, bikes, and rollerskates are equal because they’re all ‘modes of transportation.’ While true, they’re very different things. The same is true for low-code tools.

The reality: Some enterprise-level tools offer unlimited customization–even down to the code level. When you get into the enterprise-level low-code tools, you’ll find that customization is critically important. Why? Here are a few reasons. The amount of customization available in the tool determines:

• How well the tool fits your business needs
• The amount of limitations you run into over time
• Whether or not you get locked into the tool

What customization features should any enterprise low-code platform provide? We created a video on this topic that covers 6 different customization features to look for, and explains why each is important. You can find it here:

Want to learn more, or see a customizable low-code platform in action? Set up a demo here: m-Power demo.

Low-code development usage is growing fast. According to Gartner, the low-code market will grow 20% this year. They expect it to grow even more next year.

But, you’ve probably heard these stats a thousand times. The low-code market has grown steadily for years. No one will argue that point.

The bigger (and more important) questions: We know that adoption is on the rise, but…how are these businesses using low-code? What are the practical use cases? What can you build with low-code? 

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What are the most common low-code use cases?Read More »

Low-code development has taken the tech world by storm. According to Gartner, the low-code market will grow from $18 Billion in 2021 to $32 Billion by 2024. It’s picking up steam and shows no signs of slowing down.

The problem: As demand grows, so does the total number of platforms on the market. Anyone looking around for a low-code tool will find hundreds to choose from.

The worst part is, they’re all different. They all have different capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Some focus on mobile while others focus on workflow. Some offer reporting/dashboarding features while others don’t. I could go on.

How do you know which one is best for your business?

The answer: It depends on your business, needs, budget, etc… To help you cut through the confusion, we’ve written up whitepaper that goes into more detail on the topic. It explains key areas to consider when looking for a low-code tool, and will hopefully make the process less painful. You can find it here: How to Choose the Best Low-Code Platform for Your Business