Low Down on Low-Code

In this episode of Low Down on Low-Code, hosts Rob Koplowitz and Francis Carden welcome Vijay Tella, CEO and founder of Workato. They discuss the evolution of low-code technology, the importance of integration and orchestration, and the role of AI in optimizing processes. Vijay shares insights on the ideal client mindset, the balance between building and buying solutions, and the need for governance in AI applications. The conversation highlights the unique value propositions of Workato and the future of low-code innovations in 2025.Takeaways2025 is set to be a transformative year for low-code.Vijay Tella's journey reflects the evolution of integration technologies.A growth mindset is crucial for clients looking to innovate.Integration and orchestration are central to low-code success.AI can enhance process optimization but requires careful governance.The build vs. buy debate is nuanced and context-dependent.Trust and control are essential in AI applications.Understanding the customer journey is key to effective orchestration.Workato aims to simplify integration for broader accessibility.The future of low-code lies in reimagining processes and experiences.Timestamps03:15 - Vijay Tella's Journey into Tech and Automation06:10 - The Ideal Client: Growth Mindset and Systems Thinking08:55 - Integration and Orchestration: The Heart of Workado12:18 - AI's Role in Process Optimization and Integration15:10 - Build vs. Buy: Navigating Client Needs20:10 - Governance and Guardrails in AI Applications24:18 - The Future of Workado: Trust and Predictability in AI

In this episode of the Lowdown on Low-Code podcast, Ryan Duguid and Rob Koplowitz engage with Niranjan Vijayaragavan, the head of product at Nintex. They discuss the evolution of Nintex, its rebranding, and the exciting future of low-code automation, particularly in the context of AI integration. Niranjan shares his journey in the tech industry, the vision for Nintex's platform, and how it aims to empower mid-market organizations to automate their business processes effectively. The conversation also touches on the importance of building applications, the role of AI in development, and the ideal customer profile for Nintex's solutions. As they wrap up, they reflect on the growth and scale of Nintex, emphasizing the platform's potential to solve complex business challenges.TakeawaysNintex is undergoing a rebranding exercise to enhance its market presence.Niranjan's background includes significant experience in engineering and product management.The future of organizations lies in building solutions on low-code platforms.Nintex aims to provide a comprehensive automation platform for mid-market organizations.AI integration is crucial for enhancing the capabilities of low-code platforms.Nintex's growth is driven by a shift from on-prem to cloud solutions.The platform is designed to solve a wide range of business processes.Nintex is focusing on building packaged solutions for specific industries.The ideal customer profile includes mid-market organizations with specific automation needs.The conversation highlights the importance of understanding customer requirements in product development.

In this episode of Low Down on Low-Code, Rob Koplowitz and Leigh Michl discuss the evolution of process automation, the impact of AI, and the importance of orchestration in digital transformation. Leigh shares his journey into the tech world and highlights the need for businesses to be involved in automation efforts. The conversation also touches on the challenges of integrating AI into existing processes and the potential pitfalls of chasing hype cycles in technology.TakeawaysAutomation is essential for successful digital transformation.Most processes are more similar than different, allowing for reuse.AI should be viewed as a tool, not a replacement for human oversight.Orchestration is crucial for managing complex processes effectively.Businesses must collaborate closely with IT for successful automation.The hype around AI and automation can lead to misguided efforts.Understanding edge cases is vital for effective process automation.Transparency and explainability are critical in regulated industries.Rushing into new technologies without understanding can be detrimental.Personal experiences can provide valuable insights into business processes.Timestamps02:30 - Leigh Michl's Journey to Ultimus09:31 - The Role of AI in Process Automation12:38 - The Importance of Orchestration20:49 - The Need for Business Involvement in Automation25:59 - Ski Racing and Personal Stories

Scott Francis, co-founder, former CEO and current board member of BP3 joins Low Down on Low-Code to discuss the critical role services firms play in driving value from DPA and low-code programs. Scott has spent his career in high-tech and the majority has been focused on helping organizations embrace and drive process optimization. He joins Francis Carden and Rob Koplowitz for a great conversation on the emerging AI landscape and how it will shift the low-code value proposition, new ways to think of legacy application modernization and a host of other topics. 

In this episode of Lowdown on Low-Code, Rob Koplowitz and Ryan Duguid engage with Laura Rodriguez, an IBM Master Inventor, to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and design in application development. They discuss the evolving role of AI in user experience, the importance of collaboration between product, design, and engineering, and the future implications of AI in low-code development. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, as well as its potential impact on board games and user interaction.TakeawaysAI fluency is essential for modern design practices.Collaboration between product, design, and engineering is crucial.Healthy working relationships foster innovation.AI can democratize app creation for non-professionals.User experience design is evolving with AI capabilities.Expectations around AI need to be managed carefully.The future of user experience will be more fluid and intuitive.AI can enhance traditional board games with immersive experiences.Understanding AI's limitations is key to effective use.The role of a master inventor involves mentoring and innovation.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to Low-Code and AI in Design05:00 - Laura Rodriguez: Journey to Master Inventor06:23 - The Role of a Master Inventor at IBM08:17 - Collaboration Between Product, Design, and Engineering13:19 - AI's Impact on Design and User Experience20:23 - Future of User Experience with AI26:59 - Navigating Risks in AI Development31:00 - AI as a Co-Pilot in Low-Code Development36:12 - The Intersection of Board Games and Technology

In this episode of Lowdown on Lowcode, hosts Francis Carden and Rob Koplowitz engage with Alan Trefler, Founder & CEO of Pegasystems, discussing the evolution and significance of low code and no code development. They explore Alan's journey into technology, the importance of modeling in software development, and the challenges posed by legacy systems. The conversation highlights the role of AI in modernizing applications and introduces Pega's innovative Launchpad, which aims to simplify application development for a broader range of users.Takeaways• Low code is gaining traction due to frustrations with legacy systems.• Model-driven development is key to effective software solutions.• AI is transforming how applications are built and managed.• Pega's approach focuses on creating models rather than writing code.• The transition to low code requires cultural change within organizations.• Blueprint allows users to visualize and create applications easily.• Legacy systems create significant technical debt that needs addressing.• Pega Cloud simplifies operational complexity for businesses.• The Launchpad offers a new way for ISVs to build applications.• Generative AI enhances the development process by providing best practices.

In this episode of Lowdown on Low-code, John Rymer and Rob Koplowitz discuss the evolution and impact of low code in the DACH region with Markus Bernhardt. They explore the formation of the Low-Code Association, the role of SAP in promoting low code, cultural factors influencing its adoption, and the significance of citizen development. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by smaller firms and the public sector in implementing low code solutions, as well as the emerging trends in AI and its integration with low code technologies.TakeawaysLow code is a journey that requires organizational change.SAP's influence is significant in promoting low code adoption.Cultural factors in Germany emphasize structured processes.The Low-Code Association aims to advance low code in enterprises.Citizen development is gaining traction but is still behind the US.Smaller firms face challenges in adopting low code due to budget constraints.AI is seen as a key enabler for low code and process automation.Education and governance are crucial for successful low code implementation.Public sector projects are increasingly utilizing low code solutions.The DACH region has a vibrant low code community with diverse platforms.

In this episode of the Lowdown on Low-Code, Rob Koplowitz, Ryan Duguid, and John Rymer sit down with Rick Greenwald to discuss the concept of evaluative research in technology purchasing. They explore how evaluative research helps buyers navigate complex decisions, the role of analysts in shaping vendor perceptions, and the implications of crowdsourced feedback. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding individual needs when making purchasing decisions and introduces a new approach to evaluative research being developed at Analysis.Tech, aimed at providing tailored insights and up-to-date information for buyers.TakeawaysEvaluative research is designed to help buyers make complex decisions.Analysts provide insights but buyers often simplify their findings.Crowdsourced feedback can be valuable but lacks nuance.Understanding your needs is crucial for effective decision-making.There is no universal leader in the market, only leaders for specific needs.The evaluative research process must adapt to rapid market changes.Feedback from users is essential for refining evaluative research.A tailored approach to evaluative research can enhance buyer experience.The importance of collaboration between vendors and analysts is emphasized.Future evaluative research will focus on real-time updates and broader vendor inclusion.

This week's Low Down on Low Code features Simon Owen, formerly leader of the Power Ranger citizen developer program at GSK, and now a governance guru and change enabler at Avanade. Simon joins hosts Dave Marcus and John Rymer to demystify governance of citizen development and highlight its surprising benefits.

Low-code has become an indispensable part of developing new software faster and cheaper while unleashing innovation from within the business. But, what about the majority of your processes that remain locked in legacy applications? Himanshu Arora, COO of Rhino.AI joins us to discuss how Rhino has tackled that issue head on. In this week's Low Down on Low-Code, Himanshu, Rob Koplowitz and John Rymer discuss Rhino.AI's approach to migrating legacy applications to any low-code platform and moving your transformation efforts from the long-tail of your processes right into the core of your business.