Workplace innovation platforms are high productivity collaborative development tools used by both developers and non-developers to solve business challenges not addressed by existing systems. They allow business leaders and general staff to work collaboratively to build applications and automate business processes while innovating their organization’s digital portfolio.
The user-friendly interface of workplace innovation platforms enables non-developers to quickly produce applications using free-form visual design tools. For professional developers, these platforms facilitate full-stack development and offer the ability to fine-tune applications and expand functionality. Adaptive and robust app creation tools allow for instant schema production and prevent classic syntax errors and exceptions, letting businesses iterate on pace with their rapidly evolving business requirements.
While traditional programming and RAD tools remain in the hands of IT departments and developers, workplace innovation platforms enable virtually all users—regardless of IT experience—to build, customize, and maintain applications that evolve alongside their business.
Workplace innovation platforms allow teams to share information in real time on any device. They also provide tools to connect systems and services using API integration. These platforms allow users to adopt emerging technologies through extensibility without the complexity of traditional development and integration.
Beyond the technical offerings of workplace innovation platforms, many of tools offer extensive resources that include a global professional partner network, in-depth learning resources, and an active online community. This allows users to build off the development of other teams and share their experiences working with the platform. Many also provide integrated marketplaces of commercial products that help extend the functionality of the platform.
To qualify for inclusion in the Workplace Innovation Platform category, a product must:
Provide both visual design and full-stack development tools
Provide collaborative application management and secure communication capabilities
Facilitate cross-platform availability via on-premise, cloud, or hybrid deployment
Provide integration tools for connecting to systems, services, and platforms
Provide a partner network, learning resources, marketplace, and/or user community
