Building software isn’t just about writing code — it’s about solving problems, adapting to feedback, and evolving with the times. That’s exactly what we’ve been doing for the past decade.
In 2014, we started as Toro Cloud with a bold mission: create a low-code platform that could tackle complex enterprise challenges while staying accessible for developers. Today, we’re Lonti, and our platform — including Martini, Bellini, and Negroni — reflects years of hard lessons, major milestones, and a commitment to developer-first innovation.
Here’s how we got here — the good, the bad, and the code that made it all possible.
Starting Out: Low Code in 2014
In 2014, low-code development was a new concept, full of promise but still finding its footing. Our goal was to simplify integration for enterprises — a problem that traditionally required heavy custom development.
By 2016, we launched our first product, Toro Integrate. It was a runtime-only platform, and honestly, we thought that was enough. Spoiler: it wasn’t. Developers needed more than just a runtime — they wanted an intuitive development environment to manage workflows efficiently.
Lesson learned: if low code doesn’t work for developers, it doesn’t work at all.
Iteration and Evolution: The Road to Martini
In 2018, we introduced an Eclipse-based IDE alongside our runtime. It was progress, but not without its challenges:
- Framework mismatch: Eclipse wasn’t built for cloud-first users, leading to inefficiencies.
- Double effort: Supporting both desktop and web IDEs drained resources.
- Developer pain points: Bugs and fragmented workflows slowed adoption.
By listening to feedback, we realized that integration was only part of the story. Developers wanted tools that could handle APIs, automation, and enterprise-class workflows. In 2019, we rebranded as Martini, a name that better reflected the platform’s versatility.
The impact was immediate. Developers praised Martini’s ability to tackle API creation, automation, and integration challenges seamlessly. Platforms like G2 and Gartner Peer Reviews gave us validation: we were finally solving the right problems.
Scaling the Vision: Enter Bellini and Negroni
By 2022, the demands of modern development had evolved. Enterprises needed tools that spanned backend, frontend, and data management. Enter:
- Bellini: A frontend development tool built to simplify complex interfaces.
- Negroni: A data modeling and schema management solution.
Together with Martini, these products formed a 3-tier architecture that gave developers end-to-end control. But there was still a bottleneck: the IDE. Building modern workflows in the old Eclipse framework was tedious.
So, we made a bold move: transitioning to Eclipse Theia. This shift allowed us to consolidate development into a single, modern IDE for both desktop and web, streamlining workflows and boosting productivity.
Rebranding for the Future: From Toro Cloud to Lonti
By 2024, it was time for a new chapter. The name Toro Cloud no longer represented the platform’s scope or ambition. We rebranded as Lonti, a name that’s simple, memorable, and reflective of our mission to empower developers.
This rebrand wasn’t just cosmetic. It marked a shift in philosophy:
- Free platform access: We ditched time-limited demos, giving developers the freedom to explore on their terms.
- Developer-first focus: We moved away from traditional enterprise sales cycles to focus on creating tools that speak for themselves.
Lessons Learned
Where We Stumbled
- Launching without an IDE slowed early adoption.
- Maintaining separate desktop and web IDEs drained resources.
- The name Toro Cloud didn’t stand out in a crowded space.
What We Got Right
- Expanding beyond integration with Martini, Bellini, and Negroni.
- Listening to developers and iterating based on feedback.
- Consolidating to a single IDE framework with Eclipse Theia.
What’s Next for Lonti
Lonti's journey over the past decade has been one of constant evolution. We started as a low-code platform, but through continuous iteration, innovation, and most importantly, listening to our community, we've become so much more. Lonti now embodies the core principles that have guided us from the beginning: accessibility, developer empowerment, and a relentless focus on solving real-world challenges.
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