Introduction to OutSystems: Accelerating Application Development

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, businesses face the growing demand
for quick and efficient software solutions. Traditional coding methods, while
robust, often struggle to meet the increasing speed and flexibility requirements
of modern business needs. Enter OutSystems, a powerful low-code
application development platform designed to accelerate the development
of applications by offering visual tools, pre-built templates, and the ability to
integrate with various enterprise systems.
In this blog, we’ll explore what OutSystems is, its key features, and how it is
transforming businesses by enabling them to build applications faster and with
more agility. We'll also dive into some real-world case studies to showcase its
impact.

What is OutSystems?
OutSystems is a low-code development platform that allows developers to
build web and mobile applications visually, with minimal hand-coding. By using a
drag-and-drop interface, developers can focus on solving business problems
rather than spending time on repetitive coding tasks. OutSystems offers tools for
the entire application lifecycle, from development to deployment, and even
ongoing maintenance and updates.
Key benefits of using OutSystems include:
 Speed: Rapidly build applications using pre-built components, reusable
code, and templates.
 Flexibility: Easily integrate with existing enterprise systems (e.g.,
databases, APIs, and legacy systems).
 Scalability: OutSystems is designed to handle applications at scale, from
internal tools to customer-facing apps.
 Collaboration: Teams can work together more effectively, with both
technical and non-technical stakeholders able to contribute.

Key Features of OutSystems

1. Visual Development Environment
OutSystems provides a visual interface for building applications. Developers use
drag-and-drop features to create user interfaces, workflows, and data models,
significantly reducing the need for traditional hand-coding. This not only speeds
up development but also makes the process more intuitive.
2. Full-Stack Development
With OutSystems, developers can build both the front-end and back-end of
applications within the same platform. It provides a complete development
environment that covers the entire application stack, from databases to user
interfaces.
3. Pre-Built Components
The platform includes a vast library of pre-built components, widgets, and
templates that developers can leverage to jump-start their projects. These
reusable components streamline the development process, reducing time and
effort.
4. Integration with Enterprise Systems
OutSystems integrates seamlessly with existing enterprise systems, including
APIs, cloud services, and legacy databases. This ensures that businesses can
easily extend or enhance their existing applications without having to rebuild
everything from scratch.
5. Security and Governance
OutSystems includes built-in security features like role-based access control,
secure code practices, and compliance with industry standards (e.g., GDPR,
HIPAA). This ensures that applications are not only fast but also secure and
compliant with regulations.
6. Scalability and Performance
Applications built on OutSystems are cloud-native, meaning they can scale
effortlessly as user demand grows. OutSystems can be deployed on-premises, in
the cloud, or in hybrid environments, making it flexible to suit any infrastructure.

Case Studies: Real-World Success with OutSystems

1. Case Study: A Large Retail Chain’s Digital Transformation
Challenge: A leading retail chain faced challenges in managing their inventory
and supply chain processes. Their existing systems were outdated, and
developing new features using traditional coding methods was slow and costly.
The retail chain needed a solution that could integrate with their existing ERP
system and improve operational efficiency quickly.
Solution: Using OutSystems, the company was able to rapidly develop a custom
inventory management application that integrated seamlessly with their ERP
system. The development team used OutSystems’ visual interface to create
workflows and dashboards that allowed staff to monitor stock levels, generate
reports, and automate replenishment processes.
Results:
 The new system was built in three months compared to the estimated
one year using traditional development.
 Inventory tracking accuracy improved by 25%, and manual data entry was
reduced by 60%.
 The platform’s scalability enabled them to roll out the solution across
multiple stores in a matter of weeks.
2. Case Study: Insurance Provider Builds Customer Self-Service Portal
Challenge: A mid-sized insurance provider wanted to offer its customers a self-
service portal where they could manage their policies, file claims, and track their
claim status. Building this functionality from scratch using traditional coding
methods would have taken the IT team over a year, and they were looking for a
faster solution without compromising security.
Solution: The insurance provider leveraged OutSystems to create a secure and
user-friendly self-service portal. With the help of pre-built templates and
components, the development team built the portal in just a few months. The
portal integrated with the company’s backend systems for real-time policy
updates and claim status tracking.
Results:
 The self-service portal was developed and deployed in just four
months.
 Customer satisfaction increased by 30%, as clients could now manage
their policies independently without needing to call customer service.
 The company experienced a 40% reduction in support calls, leading to
operational cost savings.

3. Case Study: Healthcare Company’s Mobile App for Remote Monitoring

Challenge: A healthcare company needed to develop a mobile app for remote
patient monitoring, allowing doctors to track patient vitals in real-time. Due to
the critical nature of healthcare data, the solution had to be compliant with
HIPAA and other security regulations, while also being user-friendly for patients
of all ages.
Solution: OutSystems was used to build a mobile application that connected
with wearable devices to track patient vitals, such as heart rate and blood
pressure. The app allowed patients to input data manually and share it directly
with their healthcare providers. Built-in security features ensured that all data
was encrypted and HIPAA-compliant.
Results:
 The app was developed in six months, significantly faster than the
original estimate of 18 months.
 Patient engagement increased by 45%, with patients actively using the
app to track and manage their health.
 The real-time monitoring led to earlier detection of potential health issues,
improving patient outcomes.

Who Can Learn OutSystems?

OutSystems is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range
of individuals, from seasoned developers to non-technical professionals. Whether
you're new to coding or have extensive experience in software development, you
can learn OutSystems and build a career in this growing field.
Here's a breakdown of who can learn OutSystems:
1. Beginner Developers: People new to software development who want to
get into app development can benefit from OutSystems' low-code
approach. Since the platform uses a visual development interface, it
reduces the complexity of traditional coding and makes the learning curve
less steep.
2. Experienced Developers: If you already have a background in software
development (e.g., Java, .NET, Python), OutSystems can help you build
applications faster. Experienced developers can take advantage of custom
coding options for complex logic, making the platform highly flexible.
3. IT Professionals: IT professionals looking to expand their skill set into
app development can learn OutSystems to build applications quickly and
efficiently without needing extensive coding knowledge.
4. Business Analysts: Business and functional analysts who understand
business processes but have limited technical skills can use OutSystems to
create prototypes, workflows, and even full-scale applications with
minimal reliance on traditional coding.
5. Project Managers and Product Owners: Those involved in managing
development projects can benefit from understanding OutSystems to
better communicate with developers and oversee rapid development
initiatives.

Prerequisites for Learning OutSystems

One of the advantages of OutSystems is its accessibility, which means you don't
need a deep background in traditional coding to get started. However, there are
a few key prerequisites that will help:
1. Basic Understanding of Software Development Concepts:
o Familiarity with the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and
general programming principles (e.g., logic, variables, loops) is
useful but not mandatory.
o Understanding how databases work, such as CRUD operations
(Create, Read, Update, Delete), will help, as you'll be working with
data in most applications.
2. Interest in Technology and Problem-Solving:
o A passion for technology, problem-solving, and creativity in building
software is essential.
 o OutSystems is ideal for those who like creating solutions to business
challenges quickly.
3. Familiarity with Web or Mobile Applications:
o Basic familiarity with web technologies (like HTML, CSS) or mobile
app features is helpful but not required. The platform simplifies
much of this for you.
o You don’t need deep knowledge, but having exposure to web or
mobile apps can accelerate your learning process.
4. No Advanced Coding Required:
o While knowledge of coding languages (e.g., Java, C#, Python) can
be an asset, it’s not a prerequisite for learning OutSystems.
o If you know coding, you can customize your apps further, but
beginners can create fully functional apps without needing to write
complex code.

How to Get Eligible for a Job in OutSystems Development

To become job-ready in OutSystems, you can follow these steps to build the right
skill set, gain experience, and demonstrate your knowledge to potential
employers.
1. Learn the Platform
 OutSystems Training: Start with the official OutSystems Training. They
offer comprehensive learning paths for beginners, intermediate, and
advanced users.
o Beginner Path: Learn how to create basic applications and get
familiar with the platform’s core features.
o Intermediate and Advanced Path: Understand more complex
functionalities like integrations, performance optimization, and
security.
 Take advantage of the free resources, documentation, and video tutorials
available on the OutSystems website.
2. Get Certified
 OutSystems Certifications are highly valued by employers. Here are the
key certifications you can pursue:
1. OutSystems Associate Web Developer: This certification is the
first step and focuses on basic skills in web app development.
2. OutSystems Associate Mobile Developer: For those interested
in mobile apps, this certification covers mobile-specific
development.
 3. OutSystems Professional Developer: This certification
demonstrates expertise in developing complex applications on
OutSystems.
 Certifications show employers that you have mastered the platform and
are ready to handle real-world projects.
3. Build a Portfolio
 Create Applications: Start building small applications, such as a task
management app, employee directory, or e-commerce site. These projects
will help you practice and showcase your skills.
 Showcase Your Work: Use platforms like GitHub or OutSystems Forge (a
community-driven repository of reusable OutSystems modules) to
showcase the applications you've built. This can serve as a live portfolio to
present to potential employers.
4. Gain Practical Experience
 Freelance or Volunteer Work: Gain practical experience by working on
small freelance projects or offering your skills to local businesses or non-
profits that need basic web or mobile apps.
 Internships or Entry-Level Positions: Seek internships or junior
developer roles focused on low-code development. Many companies today
are hiring developers specifically for low-code platforms like OutSystems.
5. Understand Real-World Use Cases
 Learn About Integrations: OutSystems excels in integrating with
existing systems like ERPs, CRMs, databases, and APIs. Gaining knowledge
in integrating OutSystems with third-party systems makes you a more
attractive candidate.
 Performance and Security Best Practices: Understand the best
practices for application security and performance, as these are often key
concerns for employers.
6. Stay Active in the Community
 OutSystems Community: Join the OutSystems Community, where you
can engage with other developers, share knowledge, and stay up-to-date
with platform updates.
 Networking: Participate in OutSystems events, webinars, or local
meetups. Networking with professionals in the field can open job
opportunities.

Career Opportunities with OutSystems

With the increasing demand for rapid application development, job
opportunities in OutSystems development are growing. Here are some
potential roles you can explore after mastering OutSystems:
 1. OutSystems Developer: Focus on building web and mobile apps using
OutSystems. This is the most common role, and demand is high across
industries.
2. Low-Code Architect: As you gain experience, you can become a low-
code architect, designing solutions and overseeing larger-scale projects
built on OutSystems.
3. Integration Specialist: OutSystems’ ability to integrate with other
systems is a key feature, and developers who specialize in integrations are
valuable.
4. Technical Consultant: Help businesses implement OutSystems for their
specific needs, guiding them through custom development and
integrations.
5. OutSystems Trainer: As an expert, you could train others to use the
platform, either in-house at a company or as part of a training program.

Conclusion
OutSystems is transforming how businesses approach application development
by providing a powerful low-code platform that speeds up the development
process, integrates easily with existing systems, and ensures scalability and
security. As the case studies demonstrate, companies across industries—from
retail to healthcare—are leveraging OutSystems to rapidly build and deploy
critical applications, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer
satisfaction.
If your business is looking to modernize its application development process or
accelerate digital transformation, OutSystems offers a robust, flexible solution
that delivers results quickly and efficiently.
It is a powerful platform that democratizes application development by making it
easier for both technical and non-technical individuals to build robust, scalable
applications. Whether you're a beginner looking to enter the tech industry or an
experienced developer seeking faster, more efficient ways to build apps,
OutSystems offers opportunities for all.
By learning the platform, getting certified, and building a portfolio of
applications, you can position yourself for a successful career in the growing low-
code development space. With businesses increasingly turning to low-code
platforms like OutSystems to meet their digital needs, the demand for skilled
OutSystems developers continues to rise.