CIO OPINION systems . On top of the risks posed by original shortcuts , each workaround , patch , and upgrade is a chance to introduce another vulnerability that threat actors can exploit . Most modern business leaders need no more information than that to recognise the severe risks involved .
Leveraging low code
When under pressure from development backlogs and tight deadlines , moving fast may be an unfortunate necessity . But thanks to Low-code and no-code , application development platforms , teams can now accelerate development without accumulating technical debt . Low-code and no-code platforms allow non-technical users to become citizen developers , alleviating the labour burden on IT and enabling solutions to go live much more quickly .
As development times shrink from months to weeks , quality does not suffer under low-code development . Low-code and no-code tools use out-of-the-box templates with best practice already baked in . Visually rich drag-and-drop editors allow business users to build useful apps intuitively , with most underlying code written automatically .
These are not shortcuts because the optimal code base already exists and is imported automatically as the user builds their solution , thus avoiding technical debt . Low-code , no-code application development allows businesses to maintain quality , security , and efficiency while meeting the demand for new experiences . Technical debt becomes a thing of the past if DevOps teams carefully manage delivery expectations . p
Are you ready for all eggs in one basket strategy ?
Hyther Nizam , President MEA , VP Products , Zoho
Conventional wisdom dictates diversification of investment : spread the risk , and avoid putting all your eggs in one basket . Yet , when it comes to business and enterprise technology , unity is strength . Today , unified platforms offer comprehensive solutions encompassing CRM , sales , data analytics , marketing , HR , and more , all seamlessly interwoven under a single user interface and data architecture .
While the metaphor of putting all your eggs in one basket might raise eyebrows , the key lies in choosing the right basket , or more accurately , curating the right basket . While cost is undeniably a factor , a successful IT strategy goes far beyond the bottom line .
Imagine starting with a solution for a specific pain point , like automating marketing tasks . But what happens when you need to integrate sales data for holistic insights or streamline customer service across channels ? Opting for a patchwork of point solutions creates data silos , hinders collaboration , and multiplies costs .
enabling data-driven decisionmaking across departments , optimising operations , and enhancing customer journeys .
The benefits extend far beyond cost savings . Interoperability , the cornerstone of a robust unified platform , allows for real-time insights obtained from various systems , enabling businesses to provide hyper-personalised customer experience .
Imagine a scenario where marketing campaigns dynamically adapt based on customer data gleaned from sales interactions , or where inventory levels are optimised through predictive analytics , reducing unnecessary costs and ensuring stock availability . This is the power of a unified platform – transforming data into actionable intelligence that fuels growth and competitive differentiation .
This is not about shoehorning disparate needs into a rigid mould ; it is about choosing a best-in-class , adaptable ecosystem that caters to businesses ’ specific requirements while eliminating the inefficiencies and redundancies of siloed solutions .
The ideal curated basket of solutions is characterised by agility , myriad integration capabilities free from vendor lock-in ; offers scalability , innovation as well as highest security , and data privacy . It should be able to bridge the gaps of business management software , BMS and enterprise resource planning software , ERP .
By investing in a unified platform , MENA businesses can outgrow legacy systems and achieve digital agility at a fraction of the cost . Gone are the days of costly integrations , data silos , and fragmented user experiences . A unified platform fosters seamless data flow ,
That being said , this approach is not without its challenges . Selecting the right unified platform demands meticulous due diligence and a clear understanding of a business ’ needs . Implementation requires a change in management strategy that fosters user adoption and minimises disruption . However , the long-term Roi , characterised by streamlined workflows , enhanced efficiency , and improved collaboration , makes unified platforms a worthwhile investment .
MENA businesses demand solutions that bridge the gap between global innovation and culturally relevant local requirements . Whether it is managing mandatory tax obligations , customising for regional languages , integrating local payment gateways , or adhering to specific laws and regulations , a unified platform can streamline these complexities into a single , user-friendly experience .
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