AI App Development Brings New IT Challenges: OutSystems

OutSystems, a global leader in software innovation, has released its 2025 State of Application Development report, shedding light on the evolving challenges and opportunities faced by IT professionals. The study, based on responses from nearly 1,700 global IT professionals, reveals that the majority (81%) are incorporating Generative AI (GenAI) into their development processes. However, it also highlights significant concerns related to security and governance, with 62% of respondents noting that GenAI introduces risks in these areas.

As demand for applications continues to rise across industries, the report indicates that 74% of organizations plan to build 10 or more applications over the next 12 months, and 45% intend to develop more than 25 apps. With a growing emphasis on customer-facing applications, organizations are under immense pressure to deliver mission-critical software rapidly. OutSystems CEO and founder Paulo Rosado noted, “Enterprises are increasingly opting to build software rather than buy it. Today's developers are expected to deliver at an unprecedented pace, but this speed comes with its own set of challenges, particularly around security and governance.”

Despite the challenges, GenAI's potential to accelerate development is undeniable. The report stresses the importance of balancing productivity with caution, advising IT leaders to implement guardrails to ensure that AI-generated code does not compromise security and compliance standards. OutSystems also advocates for combining GenAI with low-code platforms, which can help mitigate risks while enhancing both the speed and quality of development.