Thinkwise versus Mendix
Low-code is growing in popularity, driven in part by a surge in demand for enterprise software and a shortage of software developers. Gartner predicts that by 2024 low-code development will account for 65% of all enterprise software development.
There are plenty of other low-code platforms on the market besides Thinkwise. Mendix is one of these well-known low-code vendors. Although both platforms are often referred to as "low-code" and have some superficial similarities, the main difference between Mendix and Thinkwise lies in the type of applications you can build with them.
What is Mendix and what is Thinkwise?
Mendix is a strong low-code vendor focused on peripheral (mobile) apps. These apps can be built by both citizen developers (Mendix calls them "Makers") and professional developers. This is because the Mendix platform has a no-code and a low-code side to it.
The Thinkwise platform is specialized in creating large, complex business applications such as a complete ERP system or a Learning Management System. It is primarily intended for professional software developers. The business can contribute to the process, but does not develop by itself.
Because of this difference in focus, there are also major differences in the way the platform approaches development. For example, with Mendix you have to 'draw' each screen or web page separately for the end user. That's not a problem for a small app, but not feasible (and not scalable!) for building the large systems that Thinkwise is designed for. That is why Thinkwise works with reusable, abstract screen types. This means you won't have to draw and maintain thousands of screens for large applications.
While just a small example, it is indicative of the difference in approach.
Mendix is focused on mobile apps
Thinkwise is focused on large business applications
The differences between Mendix and Thinkwise
One might describe the difference between the two platforms fairly simply: with Mendix you fill in the gaps in your application landscape, with Thinkwise you replace the core to ensure there are no gaps.
| Thinkwise | Mendix | |
| Low-code | ||
| Pixel-perfect apps | ||
| Concept-perfect core systems | ||
| Requires Java | ||
| Proprietary programming language | ||
| Drawing screens | ||
| Cloud-based | ||
| Development environment itself also low-code | ||
| Applications independent of technology |
What are the unique features of the Thinkwise Platform?
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Highest productivity amongst low-code platforms
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Replace & prevent legacy
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Easily modernize enterprise software
Not just faster than regular coding, but the fastest amongst low-code platforms
Even compared to other Low-Code platforms, the Thinkwise Platform distinguishes itself through high development productivity. This is shown by independent research performed by the benchmarking agency QSM. QSM compared eight Thinkwise projects with over twelve thousand validated software projects from its industry database.
This study showed that developing software using Thinkwise leads to faster implementations, more scalable applications, shorter turnaround times and significantly lower costs.
Gone are the days of technologically obsolete software
Many companies are burdened by technologically outdated systems. What if you could prevent that from happening ever again? By using the Thinkwise Platform, your applications become independent of technology and all you will need to do is maintain a digital blueprint. As a result, your applications will never have to be rebuilt again.
Thinkwise separates technology from functionality. You effectively outsource the technological development aspect. In doing so, you are guaranteed support for emerging technology, allowing you to focus completely on the functional development of your IT landscape.
Modernizing comprehensive systems using the Upcycler
When you are going to replace outdated business software, you may want to reuse its data and structures. The Thinkwise Upcycler enables you to import the existing application and extract metadata such as tables, references, screen structures, translations and notifications.
The platform then uses this metadata to create the foundation for the new solution. You can decide which elements to include or exclude in the new version. This means you don't have to start from scratch and create a jumpstart for the project.
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When do companies choose Thinkwise over Mendix?
The most common reasons are:
- When an organization wants to develop larger and more complex applications, for instance, databases with more than 100 tables. Or when an application is made up of hundreds of screens, making it unfeasible to maintain each screen separately.
- The licensing model is typically more favorable for larger organizations and projects, and more transparent about projected future fees.
- When looking to simplify their IT landscape. The Thinkwise Platform is the only low-code platform that offers a single governing integrated blueprint instead of individual apps.
What is the Thinkwise Platform less suitable for?
The Thinkwise Platform is not suited for developing B2C apps or web portals that require screens to be pixel-perfect. A few examples are dating apps or the amazon.com website. Mendix is a much more suitable solution for that type of use-case.
Can I still use my current developers with Thinkwise?
Below are a number of characteristics that true Thinkwise experts often possess:
- They are open to learning new, innovative ways of creating software solutions.
- They have a passion for solving complex business / IT challenges.
- They can see "the bigger picture" when delivering software projects.