Applications have become the means to deliver business today. As with anything new, conventional methods of developing applications is no longer relevant. Modern users expect applications to be customer-focused, multichannel, engaging, interconnected and secure. In addition to that, customers expect these features to be delivered at lightning speed. This calls for effective and faster application development and delivery strategy and RAD model emerged as an ideal solution.
What is Rapid Application Development (RAD) model?
Rapid Application Development model involves prototyping and rapid cycles of iterative development to elicit feedback from business users at every step of the process. This helps to evaluate the features of the application after each iteration in accordance with the requirements of the stakeholders. This model also enables reiterative user testing and the re-use of software components. This makes RAD model effective in reducing friction points while delivering successful enterprise applications.
Initially, citizen developers started using RAD platforms as they did not have substantial technical knowledge of coding. These platforms enabled them to create applications using intuitive ‘out of the box’ features good enough for departmental and experimental needs. But these applications created were short-lived and could not cope up with changing business needs. Eventually, RAD technology transformed to enable developers undertake legacy app modernization projects. Today, these platforms are far more nimble – leveraging millions of APIs and open-standards-based technology stacks. Citizen developers aside, IT teams are implementing RAD models now to create flexible enterprise-grade applications.
Benefits of Rapid application development
- Align business and IT – In traditional software development cycle, IT and business had different roles to play. RAD simplifies the application development process where professional developers and business users can work together in developing applications. This reduces rework and cost overrun to a large extent.
- Fast-forward delivery – Linear approach of conventional software development models can reduce wait times, handoffs, task switching, and defects in delivering applications. RAD tools with its visual development and instant testing approach have helped many enterprises reduce waste and speed up application delivery.
- Respond to transforming technologies – With rising end-user expectations from today’s applications, enterprises expect speed, agility and scalability at the lowest possible TCO. Using RAD models, it is possible to achieve this at the speed of business
- Lower maintenance cost – The benefits of RAD have a direct bearing on the cost and schedule of enterprise application development. With RAD technology, enterprises can experience faster application development which requires less coding and lowers maintenance cost.
RAD is the best solution when you require speed and agility. As it allows frequent iterations, it helps in building applications fast and deliver results. With constant change in customer requirements, RAD platform makes it possible for applications to incorporate these changes.
Future of RAD
RAD platforms continue to evolve even as we speak. As enterprises’ digital necessities continue to develop, advanced RAD tools will be used to modernize legacy applications. These applications, which are critical to business infrastructure, will get a second lease of life and continue to prevail for many years serving organizational needs – all thanks to RAD technology. The future looks promising!