FlutterFlow vs OutSystems: A Detailed Comparison for Enterprise App Development

According to an OutSystems report, roughly three-fourths of businesses surveyed plan to create ten or over ten apps by the end of the current year. Can you imagine the pressure this will put on developers?

They must ensure their efficiency remains unchanged, but productivity exceeds nearly double. This is where low-code app development platforms like FlutterFlow and Outsystems will come to the rescue of developers. But what about enterprise apps? The challenge is discovering which is better for enterprise app development: FlutterFlow or Outsystems.

When it comes to enterprise app development, both FlutterFlow and Outsystems are low-code platforms. This enables businesses to swiftly develop mobile apps using a visual interface without requiring technical expertise in coding. However, both these platforms serve a unique purpose for developing enterprise applications.

In this write-up, we will compare these two powerful platforms with such simplicity that it will help you make a wise call when you finish reading this content. But, for that, you need to read this blog thoroughly. Let's proceed with the basic definitions of both these platforms.

What is FlutterFlow?

Flutterflow is a visual app development platform that allows users to develop mobile apps swiftly without requiring coding experience. As a C-Suite executive, I find the FlutterFlow platform helpful because it can quicken the app development process and curtail development costs. You do not have to depend on specialized app development resources to achieve the right results.

With the help of its drag-and-drop interface and pre-built components, you can attain swift prototype development and make required iterations as per your requirements. FlutterFlow for enterprise development helps provide agile and scalable solutions with the reliability to perform in large-scale deployments and complex integrations. However, to learn which is better for enterprise app development - FlutterFlow or OutSystems- you must go through this entire blog.

Now, let us look at the definition of OutSystems from the perspective of a C-Suite executive.

What is OutSystems?

OutSystems is a low-code platform that requires some technical knowledge to get started. It helps to deploy, design, and manage custom enterprise-grade apps easily. Appreciation to its user-friendly interface and all-inclusive integration capabilities, this platform helps fasten digital transformation efforts. This enables organizations to respond to market demands and counter the challenges faced in their business operations.

Thanks to this platform’s exclusive property of scrutinizing performance in real-time and immaculately integrating with existing IT infrastructure, you can expect your newly developed apps to strive for business growth without zero effect on current operations.

So, all in all, OutSystems is a tactical tool for businesses that need to maintain agility and improve the efficiency of their operations while still keeping the security and scalability of their current system intact to win the race in this competitive business age.

If you’ve followed along, you likely have doubts—and that’s fair. How do we settle the FlutterFlow vs. OutSystems debate when they seem so similar?

We will clarify all your doubts. Please keep reading the forthcoming sections, and slowly but gradually, all the doubts that have clouded your mind will become clear.

Check-Out Our Lastest Blog:- A Project Manager’s Guide to Building Your First EdTech MVP with FlutterFlow

FlutterFlow Vs. OutSystems: Features Comparison

Each low code/no code platform has its own features that make it different from the other. Let us look at some of the comparative features of FlutterFlow and OutSystems that will help us firm our grip over the low code platform comparison to move ahead in our write-up.

1. Open Standards vs. Proprietary Language

The FlutterFlow platform uses open standards, which makes it easy to integrate and use for multiple projects. It can also be used for projects requiring quick deployment across multiple platforms. The flexibility offered by this platform can come in handy while developing many projects.

OutSystems uses a proprietary language that improves the application's performance and security. This form of language can prove to be Mckenna's Gold for enterprises looking to add state-of-the-art features and stringent security and provide complete control over the development process. Thanks to this platform's customized environment, it can be used to develop strong and secure applications specifically to meet your business's diverse needs.

2. Data Management

FlutterFlow provides simple data management, which is apt for simplistic projects where the user-friendliness of the application and swift setup are crucial. On the other hand, OutSystems has cutting-edge data management capabilities, making it perfect for extremely security and confidentiality-oriented large organizations that need to manage complex data securely.

3. Hosting Options

FlutterFlow comes with flexible cloud-based hosting options for the solutions, which makes it swift in deployment and effortless to access from any place. This attribute makes it perfect for businesses that wish to achieve scalability in their projects. The ability of this platform to commence projects without considerable upfront investment in infrastructure is its most significant advantage. The ability to work with all the reputed cloud providers makes it favorable for all kinds of enterprises.

On the other hand, OutSystems comprises varied hosting options. It has the capability to accommodate cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments. Thanks to this variety, businesses get the desired security, compliance, and operational requirements when they opt for the right hosting option. This kind of flexibility is suitable for organizations that need stringent control over their data and application environments.

4. Enterprise Integrations

The FlutterFlow platform consists of straightforward integrations with well-known services and APIs, which makes it ideal for projects requiring basic connectivity.

Whereas OutSystems specializes in enterprise integrations. It comes with strong tools that enable deep connections with existing business systems and databases. It is perfect for large organizations seeking immaculate integration across different environments to maintain data consistency and improve workflow automation.

It is compatible with complex and multi-system processes. This platform comprises an infrastructure that has the capability to manage complex integrations, which are vital for large-scale enterprise functionalities.

5. Effortlessness to Use

Everyone is well aware of the drag-and-drop interface of the FlutterFlow platform, which makes the app development process simple. This user-friendliness is perfect for businesses that wish to swiftly develop and deploy apps without needing any coding expertise.

OutSystems also gives prime importance to the effortlessness of use; however, it integrates robust automation and development tools that help streamline the entire app development process.

This way, organizations can take on complex projects without foregoing the quality and functionality aspects. This power duo of simplicity and power allows organizations to take on more complex projects without burdening their development teams.

6. Third-Party Integrations

FlutterFlow provides seamless integration with third-party services and APIs. This helps organizations improve their apps using external functionalities and data. Organizations that are looking to take advantage of existing technologies can use these third-party integrations on the FlutterFlow platform with minimum custom development.

OutSystems comprises strong third-party integrations that help immaculately connect with an array of systems and services. This platform comes in handy for organizations that require deep integration to organize their complex processes. The integration tools present in OutSystems are an ideal match for organizations that need all-inclusive enterprise-level solutions to meet the changing requirements of their market.

7. Backend Management

With the help of the simplistic backend management of the FlutterFlow platform, organizations can take advantage of pre-configured settings and an intuitive interface that allows for swift development and management of the project without needing any technical expertise. This kind of development is ideal for organizations that wish to deploy apps quickly with zero backend issues.

OutSystems comprises all-inclusive backend management tools that help provide end-to-end customization and total control over server operations. This is vital for large organizations that need to manage complicated data to secure their apps in an effective manner without compromising on the compliance and performance of the app.

8. Security Features

FlutterFlow provides elementary-level security features to protect basic data and user privacy. This makes it perfect for projects that comprise standard security protocols. This way, businesses can swiftly execute secure apps without any difficulty.

OutSystems goes a level up by providing an advanced security framework intended for all-inclusive protection, which is vital for organizations managing sensitive data operating in regulated industries.

Some of its pertinent security features, like compliance with regulatory standards and continuous monitoring, make enterprise apps highly secure. This kind of security is key for organizations that have to maintain strict data protection and privacy standards to reduce the risk level and maintain trust among their stakeholders.

9. Deployment of App

FlutterFlow helps get quick and straightforward multi-environment app deployment, which is vital for businesses to move swiftly from concept to market. This allows organizations to test and make changes in their apps swiftly.

OutSystems consists of a well-rounded deployment system that helps streamline the release process across different environments. This strong approach reduces mistakes and downtime, which makes it perfect for enterprises that need dependable, secure, and consistent app deployment so that high operational standards are always met.

10. Templates You Can Create Using the Platform

When you opt for the FlutterFlow platform, you get an extensive range of pre-designed templates to speed up the app development process. It enables organizations to launch customized apps swiftly using predefined designs. This makes it ideal for organizations that wish to boost their development process. It also reduces the time to market.

OutSystems also includes a robust internal template library. It contains templates that can be custom-built according to the complex needs of different businesses. It is perfect for enterprises where meeting functional requirements is imperative, in addition to flawless integration with existing IT infrastructure and business processes.

11. Migration Support

FlutterFlow provides elementary migration support, which helps move simple apps to the platform with zero downtime. This makes it perfect for organizations that wish to migrate swiftly to less complex apps without requiring extensive customization.

While OutSystems has gained prowess in providing all-inclusive migration support for complex enterprise applications. It comes with tools and systems that are well-acquainted with the properties to handle large-scale migrations without fuss.

This makes it perfect for legacy stems and data that must be seamlessly integrated into new apps. Thanks to this strong support, it is ideal for large-scale organizations needing well-rounded, risk-managed action plans for smooth continuity and compliance with their regular operations.

12. UI/UX Design Functionality

The FlutterFlow platform holds all the aces regarding UI/UX functionality. It already consists of a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. This allows organizations to develop visually attractive and intuitive apps swiftly. This particular attribute proves decisive for organizations that prioritize user engagement without needing any comprehensive technical knowledge in design.

OutSystems consists of potent UI/UX design tools that allow you to create custom-built and complex user interfaces. These tools comprise many design customizations, including elementary aesthetics and advanced interaction models.

Also Read:- Top Benefits of Using FlutterFlow for App Development in the USA

FlutterFlow Vs. OutSystem: Pricing Comparison

Here is a comparative study of the pricing plans that will give you an overview of the low code platform comparison between FlutterFlow and OutSystems.

FlutterFlow

1. Free Plan

This is a perfect way for developers to get acquainted with the powerful platform with restricted features and use of apps.

2. Pro Plan

This is a paid plan that requires $30 per month. However, you can get most of the adequate features for individual developers and small teams. This plan is ideal for companies with basic project needs.

3. Premium Plan

When you opt for the premium plan, you need to spend $60 per month. However, in lieu of that, you get team collaboration features and advanced functionalities that are necessary if you wish to perform demanding projects.

4. Pay-as-you-go model

Under this plan, you can extend beyond the app usage limits and pay for every extra active user and app installation that you use.

OutSystems

1. Free Personal Environment

This is a free plan that provides restricted access to individual developers so that they can learn about the platform. However, this plan is unsuitable if you wish to use it for serious development.

2. Internal Developer Plan

This is a free plan for internal development and testing within organizations and getting used to a perfect sandbox environment.

3. Cloud Editions

These are subscription-based tiers, including starter, basic, standard, and enterprise plans. A higher plan will have enhanced features and scalability options. The price for the cloud editions starts at $ 4,000 per month. However, no information is available for detailed pricing for the general public. You need to contact their sales team to get custom quotes.

Pros and Cons of Each Platform

let us examine the pros and cons of these incredible low-code development platforms.

1. Swift Development of Apps

Thanks to the visually appealing drag-and-drop interface of the FlutterFlow platform, you can speed up the app development process by using its library of pre-built components and templates.

2. Easy Availability of Support from the Community

Comprises active support from a community that can help you with easily accessible documentation and customer support.

3. Support Dynamic and Collaborative Development Environments

With the help of real-time collaborative features of the FlutterFlow platform, multiple developers can simultaneously work on the same project, thereby seeing each other’s changes and adding comments for faster development.

4. Great for Launch MVPs and Expand

The FlutterFlow platform is ideal for launching MVPs for business because of its swift development functionalities, visual interface, and knack for developing cross-platform apps swiftly using a low-code methodology.

5. Seamless Integration with Backend Services

The FlutterFlow platform provides smooth integration with Firebase backend services that help streamline data management and achieve real-time functionalities

Cons of the FlutterFlow Platforms

1. Stock Security Measures

FlutterFlow includes all the strong security features of iOS and Android, such as sandboxing, data encryption, and secure communication protocols. It ensures encryption for data at rest and in transit while offering code obfuscation and secure storage, reducing the risk of exploitation.

However, it lacks real-time threat detection and analysis to identify and address security incidents. It also does not provide built-in tools or features to meet compliance with regulations like HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR.

2. High Dependence on Flutter Framework

With Flutter framework updates coming regularly, this can sometimes adversely affect your FlutterFlow projects.

3. Custom Coding Experience May Pose Challenges

Although the FlutterFlow platform indeed provides a wide array of components, if you are using it to develop complex application designs, you might need comprehensive custom coding, which will present a need to hire a FlutterFlow Specialist.

Pros of OutSystems

1. Swift Development

Thanks to the OutSystems platform’s visual programming, developers can swiftly complete the app development process with minimum coding, accelerating the development timelines.

2. Adaptability to Current Systems

It allows businesses to adapt according to their current enterprise system and their new individual requirements. This can help your organization adapt to the market's changing needs and evolving customer demands while staying in their current systems.

3. Improved Security

OutSystems apps are developed with enterprise-level security in mind. These include role-based access control and data encryption, ensuring your secure information is always protected.

4. Supports Cross-Platform Development

With the help of the OutSystems platform, you can develop and even deploy apps on different platforms like Web, Android, and iOS without needing a distinct codebase for each platform. This ultimately saves time and money during the app development process.

5. Uses AI to Amplify Application Design

A user-friendly interface and built-in AI components are present in the OutSystems platform, which helps developers and non-technical users use AI capabilities in their development process without requiring any technical expertise.

Cons of OutSystems

1. Need for Learning Curve for Developers

Although the coding requirements in the OutSystems platform are comparatively lower, learning the advanced features of the platform requires additional time and effort on the part of the developers.

2. Dependency on the Platform for Maintenance and Updates

The biggest limitation of the OutSystems platform is its inherent vendor lock-in, which makes the developers completely dependent on the platform for maintenance and updates such that if you wish to migrate to another platform for your existing applications, it can prove to be challenging and even make you spend a lot of money.

3. Licensing Complexity

Another downside of the OutSystems platform is the complexity involved in its licensing model, which is heavily dependent on “Applications Objects” (AOs), which leads to sudden cost increases as your app expands. This can make your long-term planning go haywire. On top of this, occasional alterations in the licensing structures can further make the process even more challenging.

4. Limited Community Support

Although the OutSystems community has an extensive reach, there can be inherent knowledge gaps within the community, which can make it difficult to come up with solutions for highly niche or complex technical issues.

When Should You Choose FlutterFlow for Enterprise App Development?

1. Rapid Prototyping and MVP Development

FlutterFlow for enterprise app development is the right decision when you wish to quickly create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or prototype with the help of a visually attractive UI. This is precisely the case when the time to market is vital, and you wish to accumulate user feedback without sharing the fully customizable, complex development process from the very beginning. Its low-code approach helps organizations achieve swifter development cycles and effortless collaboration between designers and developers, which is perfect for early-stage product validation.

2. Development of Internal Business Tools

It is ideal when you wish to develop simplistic, functional apps and dashboards for employees without needing the help of a large development team.

3. Time-Sensitive Projects

FlutterFlow for enterprise is perfect for those projects wherein you wish to launch the app swiftly to meet a critical deadline.

4. Limited Bandwidth in the Development Team

When you have a restrained number of developers and wish to use even non-technical professionals to work on the project, it is time to opt for FlutterFlow for enterprise projects.

5. Cross-Platform Compatibility

If you wish to develop an enterprise app that works best on both iOS and Android platforms with minimal development effort, you should choose FlutterFlow for enterprise projects.

When to Choose OutSystems for Enterprise App Development

1. Rapid App Development

Thanks to its low-code methodology, OutSystems works best when you need to deliver apps swiftly while addressing your business's urgent needs.

2. Complex Business Processes

There are times when your enterprise app requires hassle-free integration with multiple existing systems and data sources; it is during such instances that OutSystems is best for enterprise app development.

3. Scalability Requirements

If you wish to handle large volumes of users and data without any downtime on your enterprise app, opt for the OutSystems platform.

4. Cross Platfrom Support

For all your cross-platform enterprise development needs, count on OutSystems to make your app work best on both web and mobile using a single database.

5. Legacy System Integration

Have you ever hoped for the swift development of apps and immaculate integration with existing legacy systems? If yes, it is time to choose the OutSystems platform for your enterprise app development needs. This ingenious platform can help you develop apps that prioritize quicker time-to-market with scalable solutions and flexible workflows.

6. Citizen Developer Empowerment

If you want to provide your business users with restricted coding experience without forgoing their experience, opt for OutSystems to take your enterprise app to the next level.

Maybe Read:- The Ultimate Guide to Hiring FlutterFlow Developers

Difference between FlutterFlow and OutSystems for Enterprise-Level Apps

Why Choose Third Rock Techkno for Your No Code/Low Code App Development Needs?

1. Reasonably-Priced App Solutions

The most significant advantage of availing of no code/low code app development from us is that we prioritize providing reasonably-priced app solutions with flexible payment options.

2. Flexible Engagement Models

We provide different engagement models like dedicated teams, time & material, and fixed budgets that help meet your project requirements based on the scalability aspect and the evolving needs.

3. Experienced Development Team

We have a team of experienced developers who are certified by FlutterFlow themselves. We have the knack for designing solutions that help make your app vision into reality within your budgetary requirements.

4. Transparent Pricing

We believe in providing transparent app development rates with absolutely zero scope for hidden costs. You can count on us to provide no-code/low-code project costs based on clarity, which helps inculcate a feeling of trust amongst our esteemed clientele.

5. Concentration on Value Creation

We do not believe in preparing your app development project just for its own sake. Our goal is to ensure that the project that we deliver provides the utmost value to the app store where it is kept. This way, we always believe in developing cutting-edge solutions that set a new benchmark in no-code/low-code app development.

6. Scalable Development Approach

Our approach has always been to come up with an app development process that helps us create scalable deliverables. This way, our low code/no code app development process ensures that your app functions optimally and can be scaled as per your requirements according to changing market trends.

Conclusion

If you have been with us until now, we hope you have mentally decided by looking at the low-code platform comparison. But to ensure you are on the same page, here is our take on this debate. The FlutterFlow platform is perfect for startups and businesses that need to make swift product improvements, starting with MVPs and eventually growing to widely accepted products.

Whereas the OutSystems platform comes into the picture whenever you, as a business owner, deal with complicated enterprise applications. Its data management and security features are perfect for data-driven projects with an extensive user base.  However, the one problem you cannot overlook as a developer with the OutSystems platform is its steeper learning curve and very hefty licensing fees that can prove detrimental if you use it for simple apps or projects with restrained resources.

If you are looking for an official flutterflow partner, we can help you build the app in no time. With a decade of experience in custom software development, we will help you build apps with FlutterFlow, which will help your business grow. Contact us today!

FAQs

1. What makes OutSystems so costly in comparison to the FlutterFlow platform?

OutSystems consists of specialized enterprise-oriented features that help developers create superlative enterprise apps; however, you need to pay a hefty price owing to its paid upgrades, which assure higher uptime rates and compliance options.

2. Mention the different types of platforms compatible with the FlutterFlow platform.

The FlutterFlow platform works smoothly on Android, Web, and iOS without any additional development effort. But, if you wish to use it on a desktop, it is essential to enable a platform like Windows, Linux, or MacOS.

3. Is it possible to integrate an existing system with FlutterFlow apps?

Absolutely! With the help of APIs, it is easy to connect your FlutterFlow app to existing systems and databases.

4. What protocols are followed by Third Rock Teckno to handle security protocols for enterprise applications?

We use Firebase integration, which helps in providing security features like access controls, data encryption, and user authentication. But, it is imperative that you execute extra security measures on the basis of individual enterprise app requirements.

5. Can the FlutterFlow platform prove to be useful in developing a fully operational enterprise app?

Of course! It is possible to develop several enterprise applications using the FlutterFlow platform with elementary functionalities and standard workflows. But if you are looking to develop a high degree of complex features, it is important to use custom code or follow a more traditional development methodology.