Application Development Platforms: Best Solutions & How to Choose

When you're building on Salesforce — or any modern platform — using an application development platform can streamline the entire process. These platforms typically come with a few key components that work together to simplify and speed up app creation. Here's what you can expect:

• App development and delivery platform: Think of this as your all-in-one toolkit. It replaces the patchwork of traditional development tools by bringing everything into a single, integrated suite. That means fewer installations, smoother collaboration, and more consistent project outcomes.
• Development tools: These usually break down into front-end and back-end technologies. On the front end, you're working with tools that help you create a clean, intuitive user interface — one that’s easy for your end users to navigate. On the back end, it’s all about handling data services, making it simple to manage, store, and retrieve data securely and efficiently.
• Security tools: With data protection being more important than ever, robust security tools are a must. These tools help ensure your applications meet compliance standards, protect sensitive data, and manage access with features like role-based permissions, encryption, and threat detection — all baked right into the platform.

App development platforms provide several benefits that enhance the development process, including:

• Standardization: By adopting a consistent set of technologies, teams can collaborate more effectively, with greater consistency across development efforts. It also helps modernize older applications and speeds up the development of new ones.
• Support: With a centralized source for support, IT teams — including Site Reliability Engineers (SREs) — benefit from a more cohesive approach to issue resolution.
• Security: Application platforms secure the entire software stack, protecting it from potential cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

App development platforms offer a range of benefits for organizations looking to simplify their development process. Along with improving data security and making workflows more consistent, these platforms provide:

• Cloud-native development services: Built-in tools like CI/CD pipelines, IDEs, and multi-language support make it easier to build, test, and deploy apps with speed and confidence.
• No-code to pro-code flexibility: Whether you're dragging and dropping components using no-code or writing custom code, these platforms support every level of developer — so teams can build the way that works best for them.
• Reliable infrastructure: Designed for scalability and performance, these platforms help apps run smoothly across environments, with built-in tools for orchestration, scaling, and uptime.
• Easy security and management: Centralized tools make it easier to manage security across complex cloud environments — keeping data protected and teams in control.
• Performance monitoring and analytics: Real-time tracking helps you spot issues early, optimize performance, and ensure everything stays on track.
• Expert support: Built-in DevOps and DevSecOps tools help teams troubleshoot quickly and accelerate development without sacrificing quality.
• AI-powered features: From predictive insights to natural language processing, integrated AI tools help you deliver smarter, more personalized user experiences — right out of the box.

Beyond technical efficiency, here are four key reasons to adopt an app development platform:

1. Accelerated development and delivery: Standardized tools and processes allow businesses to release applications faster, helping them stay competitive in the market.
2. Enhanced collaboration: A centralized platform bridges communication between developers, IT operations, and security teams, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and goals are aligned.
3. Cost efficiency: Reducing the need for multiple tools means lower overhead costs and simplified maintenance, saving both time and resources.
4. Improved security and compliance: With built-in security features, businesses can protect their data and applications while staying compliant with regulations.

App development platforms are valuable to various roles within an organization, each benefiting in different ways:

• Developers: They use the platform’s integrated environments and tools to build, test, and deploy applications more efficiently.
• IT operations teams: They manage the platform’s infrastructure, making sure it scales and performs reliably.
• Enterprise architects: These professionals use the platform’s standardized tools to design architectures that are in line with business goals.
• Business and IT leaders: By overseeing the development process, they ensure that applications meet market demands and contribute to business growth.

When selecting a custom enterprise application development platform, it’s important to consider several key factors. After all, there are several options to choose from, such as no-code or low-code development platforms. Keep in mind:

• Integration with existing systems: Make sure the platform integrates seamlessly with your current technology stack to avoid compatibility issues.
• Support and vendor reliability: Look for a platform backed by strong vendor support, so you can rely on them to resolve any issues quickly and maintain smooth operations.
• Security features: Evaluate the platform’s security capabilities to ensure your data and applications are well protected.
• Scalability: Choose a platform that can grow alongside your business needs and handle increased workload.

When comparing enterprise application development platforms, it's important to consider factors like scalability, integration, and security. The Salesforce Platform stands out by offering a flexible environment that supports both no-code and pro-code development, making it accessible to everyone — from business analysts to software engineers.

At its core, the Salesforce Platform blends flexibility, strong security, and advanced intelligence, giving businesses the tools they need to build, deploy, and future-proof their applications with confidence and ease.

Interested in learning more about application development? Check out The Low-Code Playbook for insights on building and deploying smarter applications.