Mendix vs OutSystems: Faceoff Between Two Best Low Code Development Platforms

Confused between Mendix and OutSystems? Which is the best low-code development platform for your business? Both platforms were recognized as leaders in Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Low-Code Application Platforms in 2022, so it is not fair to say one is better than the other. Both have almost similar features like activity dashboards, approval process control, audit management, etc.

Despite having the same features, they give different results because they are not created equally. Thus, comparing Mendix vs OutSystems is necessary especially when you need the platform to solve your biggest business challenges.

Overview of Mendix and Outsystems

Let’s have a quick introduction of the two best low-code development platforms so that when we do a comparison you have the background ready.

What is Mendix?

Mendix is a cloud-based low-code development platform for businesses to help them build web and mobile applications without writing a single line of code. The platform offers a range of pre-built templates, widgets, and components that enable users to drag and drop them onto a canvas and create a fully functional application within hours. Some of the key features of Mendix include:

• Easy to use drag-and-drop interface

• Pre-built templates and widgets

• Agile development methodology

• Third-party systems integration

• Advanced security features

• Robust reporting and analytics capabilities

What is OutSystems?

OutSystems is the platform where design, code, and deployment are unified to build high-performing enterprise-grade applications. You can build any digital solution using this platform such as customer portals, internal applications, custom software for business, and many more. OutSystems allow you to scale these applications and make them adaptable to frequent changes.

The platform is great for building responsive applications with native device capabilities. Extending their capabilities is also easier with OutSystems as it allows developers to build their own backend and front-end code using Java, HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and SQL language.

OutSystems features

• Visual development platform

• Monitoring the app usage and performance in real-time

• High scalability due to the use of APIs

• Faster deployment of mobile applications

• DevOps automation

• Easy management of access control and permission

• Debugging engine integrated with low code platform

• Support for multilingual users

• Batch processing and scheduling support

• App development life cycle support

Mendix vs OutSystems Comparison

Now that we have looked at both platforms individually, let's compare them on different parameters like architecture, interface, community support, resource availability, etc.

Architecture

Mendix platform is divided into three modules- Cloud, Developer Portal, and Development- each having key components to build, deploy, and manage enterprise-grade applications and services. In the cloud section, developers have access to a cloud foundry, a package repository, a build server, and a cloud.

The team server and marketplace are key components of the developer portal, and the development module has a data hub as well as Mendix studio pro. The developer portal is a web-based portal where different team members of a business can be invited to contribute to the app projects. It is the main module of Mendix where mostly the requirements of app projects are managed and tracked using Scrum methodology.

On the other hand, the OutSystems platform has a layered ecosystem where the top layer has all the necessary tools, components, builders, and repositories for proper management of the SDLC. Beneath this layer is an AI-powered services layer with all the tools to eliminate repetitive tasks, automate complex change management, code generation, integration with third-party enterprise systems, etc.

Speed

A speed comparison of Mendix vs OutSystems is necessary if you want faster results. Both platforms have multiple stages that allow even non-tech users to build applications faster.

In the case of Mendix, developers can start with pre-built templates for UI design, wire-framing, event management, and more. Database setup comes later in Mendix. However,

OutSystems give users the choice to decide what they want to build- a mobile app or a web app. Once it is decided, the user can move to the next stages of the app creation process such as database setup, form development, UI customization, etc. OutSystems assists users at every stage.

Community Support

Low code development may not be something new but developers, be it citizen developers or tech experts, may need assistance anytime. OutSystems has a huge community of 647K+ members who share their knowledge, ask doubts, and connect with other developers to get familiar with the platform.

OutSystems also provide a training module for new developers where they can learn through webinars and courses from experts.

On the other hand, Mendix connects thousands of users and contributors on the Mendix community platform. From news on the latest product releases, events, and webinars, to document updates; the platform provides everything in one place. It also has a forum where users can right support from the Mendix developers.

Marketplace

OutSystems have a forge repository where developers can find reusable components, UI components, open code modules, connectors, frameworks, and other assets. These assets are categorized by the user interface, integrations, device capabilities, functionalities, and utilities. Currently, the platform has 5330 assets in the repository.

Mendix marketplace offers templates, modules, connectors, pre-built components, and widgets to help you extend the application capabilities and accelerate the development process. Developers can explore the marketplace by industries, content type, compatibility, tags, and rating.

Ease of Use

Both Mendix and OutSystems are easy to use because of drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built templates that make application development quick and easy. However, Mendix's interface is slightly more user-friendly than OutSystems, making it a better choice for users who are new to low-code development.

Integration

Both platforms offer integration with a wide range of third-party systems, but OutSystems has an edge in this area. OutSystems offers out-of-the-box integration with more than 200 systems, while Mendix offers integration with around 100 systems. Mendix allows integration with platforms like GitHub, Google Drive, Dropbox business, Asana, Jira, and many more platforms.

OutSystems offers integration with Zendesk, Twilio, PayPal, Salesforce, and several applications that are commonly utilized in businesses.  

Pricing

Mendix offers a free version with users up to 10 which is quite good for those starting to explore this low-code platform. The free trial comes with Mendix cloud, no-code/citizen development, agile project management, and low code/pro-development features. It offers a shared database and full community support to the low code developers.

Businesses with bigger workforces can opt for basic, standard, or premium version. Each version allows different application-building capabilities. The basic price starts from €50/month and the standard version is available at €800/month.

OutSystems platform offers three basic pricing to the users. A free version to develop an application for up to 100 users with access to developer tools, free training programs, community support, a single runtime environment, and a cloud hosting platform.

To upgrade the feature, switch to the standard version that will cost you $1512.50 monthly and extend access to the development platform with full DevOps automation and a 99.5% uptime guarantee. However, professional support is limited to only business hours. The custom version provides 24x7 professional support.

Mendix vs OutSystems: Who is the Winner?

Picking one is a tough choice as both low code development platforms are excellent options for businesses and offer necessary features. If one is completely familiar with the platform and gains expertise in all the features then no matter which one you choose, one can build high-performing applications. So, both are winners.

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