Why low-code – and why open source?
The demands placed on modern business applications are constantly increasing: processes need to be digitized, specialized applications flexibly adapted, and new solutions implemented quickly. Traditional custom development is often time-consuming and expensive. Low-code platforms promise a solution by significantly simplifying and accelerating the development of database-driven applications.
Many of these platforms, however, are proprietary and tie companies to a single vendor long-term. LIMBAS takes a different approach: As an open-source, low-code platform, it combines rapid application development with maximum transparency, control, and future-proofing.
What is LIMBAS?
LIMBAS is a web-based, low-code platform for developing custom, database-driven business applications. Its focus is on the structured modeling of data, forms, masks, reports, and workflows – without relying on traditional programming.
Applications are developed and used directly in the browser. Data models, user interfaces, and permissions can be largely configured graphically. At the same time, LIMBAS remains open to individual extensions through custom code if standard functions are insufficient.
Typical use cases include:
Specialized applications and administrative software
CRM and project management solutions
Document and process systems
Individual ERP-related solutions
Unique selling point 1: Consistent open source without vendor lock-in
One of LIMBAS's key unique selling points is its genuine open-source license. The complete source code is freely available and can be reviewed, modified, and extended. There are no hidden licensing models, no usage-based costs, and no dependency on a cloud provider.
Unlike many commercial low-code platforms, LIMBAS allows companies to retain full control over:
the operation (on-premises or own infrastructure),
the further development,
the long-term maintainability of the applications.
This is a crucial advantage, especially for organizations with high demands on data protection, IT sovereignty, or regulatory requirements.
Unique selling point 2: Low-code with depth – not just for prototypes
Many low-code solutions are heavily geared towards rapid prototyping or simple CRUD applications. LIMBAS, on the other hand, aims from the outset for productive, long-lasting business applications.
The platform offers, among other things:
Finely configurable role and rights management
Integrated workflows and status models
Reporting and analysis functions
Support for complex data structures and relationships
This makes LIMBAS suitable not only for small tools, but also for central specialist applications that are used and further developed over many years.
Unique selling point 3: Bridge between specialist department and IT
LIMBAS is aimed at both business users and IT experts. Business departments can create or adapt data models, forms, and simple logic themselves. At the same time, IT retains the ability to deeply integrate with the platform, develop custom extensions, and implement integrations.
This combination reduces typical friction losses:
Specialist departments are becoming more independent and faster.
IT remains in control of architecture, security, and quality.
Joint development is facilitated.
Comparison: LIMBAS vs. proprietary enterprise low-code platforms
Commercial low-code platforms like Mendix or OutSystems offer extensive enterprise features, integrated DevOps tools, and tight cloud integration. However, these strengths come at a price: high licensing costs, complex contract models, and strong vendor lock-in.
LIMBAS takes a different approach:
no license costs,
free choice of infrastructure,
full access to the source code.
While proprietary platforms excel in highly standardized corporate environments, LIMBAS is particularly attractive for organizations that prioritize cost control, adaptability, and long-term independence.
Comparison: LIMBAS vs. other open-source low-code solutions
Auch im Open-Source-Umfeld gibt es zahlreiche Low-Code-Werkzeuge. Viele davon konzentrieren sich auf klar umrissene Anwendungsfälle, etwa interne Admin-Dashboards oder einfache Datenbank-Frontends.
LIMBAS differs here in that:
its strong focus on complete business applications,
integrated basic functions such as rights, workflows and reporting,
long-term use in production environments.
Instead of individual building blocks, LIMBAS offers a consistent framework for the development of complex applications.
Conclusion: Who is LIMBAS particularly suitable for?
LIMBAS is a low-code platform for organizations that want more than just quick click-based prototypes. The solution is aimed at businesses, government agencies, and research institutions that:
want to develop individual business applications,
Place value on open source and IT sovereignty,
want to actively involve specialist departments in the development process,
We need solutions that are maintainable and expandable in the long term.
This positions LIMBAS as a sustainable alternative to proprietary low-code platforms – open, flexible and practical.
Why low-code – and why open source?
The demands placed on modern business applications are constantly increasing: processes need to be digitized, specialized applications flexibly adapted, and new solutions implemented quickly. Traditional custom development is often time-consuming and expensive. Low-code platforms promise a solution by significantly simplifying and accelerating the development of database-driven applications.
Many of these platforms, however, are proprietary and tie companies to a single vendor long-term. LIMBAS takes a different approach: As an open-source, low-code platform, it combines rapid application development with maximum transparency, control, and future-proofing.
What is LIMBAS?
LIMBAS is a web-based, low-code platform for developing custom, database-driven business applications. Its focus is on the structured modeling of data, forms, masks, reports, and workflows – without relying on traditional programming.
Applications are developed and used directly in the browser. Data models, user interfaces, and permissions can be largely configured graphically. At the same time, LIMBAS remains open to individual extensions through custom code if standard functions are insufficient.
Typical use cases include:
Specialized applications and administrative software
CRM and project management solutions
Document and process systems
Individual ERP-related solutions
Unique selling point 1: Consistent open source without vendor lock-in
One of LIMBAS's key unique selling points is its genuine open-source license. The complete source code is freely available and can be reviewed, modified, and extended. There are no hidden licensing models, no usage-based costs, and no dependency on a cloud provider.
Unlike many commercial low-code platforms, LIMBAS allows companies to retain full control over:
the operation (on-premises or own infrastructure),
the further development,
the long-term maintainability of the applications.
This is a crucial advantage, especially for organizations with high demands on data protection, IT sovereignty, or regulatory requirements.
Unique selling point 2: Low-code with depth – not just for prototypes
Many low-code solutions are heavily geared towards rapid prototyping or simple CRUD applications. LIMBAS, on the other hand, aims from the outset for productive, long-lasting business applications.
The platform offers, among other things:
Finely configurable role and rights management
Integrated workflows and status models
Reporting and analysis functions
Support for complex data structures and relationships
This makes LIMBAS suitable not only for small tools, but also for central specialist applications that are used and further developed over many years.
Unique selling point 3: Bridge between specialist department and IT
LIMBAS is aimed at both business users and IT experts. Business departments can create or adapt data models, forms, and simple logic themselves. At the same time, IT retains the ability to deeply integrate with the platform, develop custom extensions, and implement integrations.
This combination reduces typical friction losses:
Specialist departments are becoming more independent and faster.
IT remains in control of architecture, security, and quality.
Joint development is facilitated.
Comparison: LIMBAS vs. proprietary enterprise low-code platforms
Commercial low-code platforms like Mendix or OutSystems offer extensive enterprise features, integrated DevOps tools, and tight cloud integration. However, these strengths come at a price: high licensing costs, complex contract models, and strong vendor lock-in.
LIMBAS takes a different approach:
no license costs,
free choice of infrastructure,
full access to the source code.
While proprietary platforms excel in highly standardized corporate environments, LIMBAS is particularly attractive for organizations that prioritize cost control, adaptability, and long-term independence.
Comparison: LIMBAS vs. other open-source low-code solutions
Auch im Open-Source-Umfeld gibt es zahlreiche Low-Code-Werkzeuge. Viele davon konzentrieren sich auf klar umrissene Anwendungsfälle, etwa interne Admin-Dashboards oder einfache Datenbank-Frontends.
LIMBAS differs here in that:
its strong focus on complete business applications,
integrated basic functions such as rights, workflows and reporting,
long-term use in production environments.
Instead of individual building blocks, LIMBAS offers a consistent framework for the development of complex applications.
Conclusion: Who is LIMBAS particularly suitable for?
LIMBAS is a low-code platform for organizations that want more than just quick click-based prototypes. The solution is aimed at businesses, government agencies, and research institutions that:
want to develop individual business applications,
Place value on open source and IT sovereignty,
want to actively involve specialist departments in the development process,
We need solutions that are maintainable and expandable in the long term.
This positions LIMBAS as a sustainable alternative to proprietary low-code platforms – open, flexible and practical.