Overall Satisfaction with Mendix
- Mendix is a good solution for those that have a business process and distinct workflow that can be replicated by custom application development, especially for those building a startup business or just getting started with application development for internal solutions because of its "low code" environment.
- You will find that developing on Mendix will cost between 40% to 60% less than traditional development because the environment doesn't require highly specialized technology experts to code the application.
- Mendix lends itself well to an Agile development methodology and SCRUM. The platform allows for iterative, rapid development. With Kermit, we release updates weekly and can rapidly prototype, test and deploy anything from bug fixes to new features.
- Because Mendix is a platform as a service, your team can concentrate on your niche and business expertise rather than adding a group of IT staff to manage hardware and software infrastructure
- Mendix would be well-served to build a roadmap for the traditional developer to move from hand-coding to the Mendix app platform and their Developer app environment. When we had to replace a lead developer, we had some hiring challenges looking within the traditional custom app development skill set for new people. Hard core developers typically see platforms like this as a "less-than" solution and not a true development environment.
- Mendix is somewhat mature in Europe, but in its infancy in the US. As such, it can be very difficult to find experienced Mendix developers in the US. A number of the experienced developers are managing their own consultancies rather than being available for full time employment (probably because it is far more lucrative for them). We had some success in hiring someone with basic custom app dev skills and training them on Mendix (4 months), but have also had some failures in this area.
- Upgrading to new full release versions of Mendix has been an issue for us because we have developed a number of detailed workflows and customizations to other developers' widgets from the Mendix App Store. At each major release, we need to carefully think about and test for issues prior to and after migration.
Mendix delivers on the promise of custom application development with less resources, lower time to development and lower costs than traditional development. The Mx environment uses distinct microflows to build core functionality and features in your app. Because of this, debugging is a bit easier and developing customizations or entirely new features moves more quickly. The Mx App Store features hundreds of widgets developed by others that can be downloaded and bolted into your application. This can make adding functionality such as graphs, email workflows and many other features much easier and faster to develop.
Our current lead developer of Mendix had no exposure to the platform and about 10 years of experience developing one custom application from the ground up. He was able to come up to speed quickly on the platform through online training. We have also hired support staff and mobile development staff to further extend and support Mx with a lower skill set.