NocoBase vs OutSystems: Open-Source or Enterprise Low-Code?

Originally published at https://www.nocobase.com/en/blog/nocobase-vs-outsystems#core-feature-comparison.

Introduction

I’ve previously written several in-depth comparisons of low-code and no-code platforms. If you're interested, check out these articles:

• NocoBase vs NocoDB: A Deep Dive into Open-Source No-Code Tools
• Open Source CRUD Development Tools: NocoBase vs Refine
• NocoBase vs. Appsmith: Which Open-Source Low-Code Platform is Right for You?
• NocoBase vs Salesforce: Which Is the Ideal CRM for You?

Today, we’re diving into another widely recognized low-code platform: OutSystems. This article provides a detailed comparison between NocoBase and OutSystems to help you understand their fundamental differences.

Why compare these two platforms? Because they represent two distinct approaches to low-code development:

• NocoBase – An open-source, plugin-based low-code application development platform. It is data model-driven, highly customizable, and designed for tech teams building tailored business applications.
• OutSystems – A closed-source enterprise low-code platform. It offers an all-in-one development and deployment solution, catering to large enterprises looking for rapid deployment with official support.

Both platforms have their strengths and serve different use cases. This article will explore their differences in depth, focusing on the open-source vs. closed-source debate, helping businesses and developers determine which low-code platform best suits their needs.

Open-Source vs. Closed-Source

When choosing between an open-source or closed-source low-code platform, scalability, integration capabilities, and cost are the three key factors influencing long-term technical decisions.

Let’s start with scalability. Open-source platforms like NocoBase offer full access to the source code, giving businesses complete control over customization and data management. In contrast, closed-source platforms like OutSystems impose vendor restrictions, limiting flexibility in extending functionality and handling data.
But scalability isn’t the only concern—seamless system integration is critical for businesses.

Integration Capabilities

NocoBase follows a microkernel + plugin architecture, making it highly extensible:

• Modular plugin system – Easily add, modify, or remove features to fit specific needs.
• Flexible API access – REST APIs enable smooth integration with enterprise tools like ERP, CRM, and BI systems.
• Customizable data models – Supports advanced data structures, connecting directly to MySQL, PostgreSQL, and more.

⠀OutSystems, on the other hand, provides a structured enterprise integration framework:

• Pre-configured integrations – Works with SAP, Salesforce, Microsoft Azure, and other enterprise solutions.
• Enterprise connectors – Offers a library of API connectors, though some require an additional subscription.
• Limited SDK/API customization – Extending functionalities is constrained by OutSystems’ official SDK, and some API access is locked behind enterprise licensing.
 Cost is another major consideration, which I’ll analyze later in this article.
Now, let’s take a closer look at their core features.

I will provide a detailed cost analysis and estimation in the final section of this article.

But first, let’s dive into a feature-by-feature comparison of NocoBase and OutSystems.

Core Feature Comparison

Development Environment

A key factor in choosing a low-code platform is how efficiently it enables development. Here’s how NocoBase and OutSystems compare in terms of development environments?

NocoBase: A Flexible and Modular Approach

NocoBase offers a visual, block-based development experience, making it easy to build applications without deep coding knowledge:

• Drag-and-drop interface – Assemble pages and workflows like stacking LEGO bricks.
• Real-time editing – See immediate changes as you configure elements, reducing trial-and-error.
• Plugin architecture – Extend functionality with custom plugins, bridging the gap between no-code and low-code development.

This blend of visual configuration and plugin extensibility makes NocoBase highly adaptable, allowing both business and tech teams to collaborate effectively.

OutSystems: A Pre-Built Enterprise Development Suite

OutSystems, by contrast, provides a proprietary, structured development environment:

• Rich component library – Comes with ready-to-use UI elements and business logic modules.
• Workflow automation – Developers can build business processes using a visual editor, reducing coding efforts.
• Multi-platform compatibility – Supports web, mobile, and native app development with built-in optimizations.

OutSystems prioritizes efficiency and standardization, making it ideal for IT teams managing large-scale enterprise applications. However, it trades off flexibility—customization options are more constrained compared to an open-source solution like NocoBase.

Data Modeling

Data modeling plays a crucial role in enterprise application development. It determines how data is structured, managed, and scaled over time.
NocoBase and OutSystems take very different approaches to data modeling, catering to distinct business needs.

NocoBase: Full Control Over Data Structures

NocoBase follows a data model-driven approach, offering deep flexibility for custom database configurations:

• Supports multiple data sources – Connects to MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and external databases like MariaDB.
• Comprehensive data modeling tools – Includes both a table management interface for quick setup and ER-style diagrams for complex relationships.
• Customizable table types – Supports various structures, such as general collection, tree collection, expression collection, and external data sources.

This level of customization makes NocoBase ideal for technical teams that require fine-grained control over their data models.

OutSystems: Hands-Off Database Management

OutSystems prioritizes simplicity and automation in database design, reducing the need for manual database configuration:

• Fully automated database handling – Tables are generated and managed automatically, making it easy to start building applications.
• Built-in data consistency mechanisms – Schema changes and indexing are optimized automatically, reducing database maintenance.
• Visual modeling tools – Provides a graphical interface for managing data relationships, though customization is limited.

While OutSystems simplifies database management, it trades off flexibility for ease of use, making it a better fit for teams that prioritize rapid deployment over deep customization.

Permissions Management

Ensuring secure and controlled access to data is critical for any business application.
NocoBase and OutSystems take different approaches to permissions and access control, balancing flexibility vs. ease of management.

NocoBase: Granular Access Control for Maximum Flexibility

NocoBase provides a fine-grained permissions system, ideal for organizations that need full control over user access:

• Role-based access control (RBAC) – Define multiple roles (e.g., admin, user, guest) with customized access rules.
• Field-level security – Limit access to specific fields to enhance data protection and compliance.
• API-level access restrictions – Control external API access to prevent unauthorized data exposure.
• Multiple authentication methods – Supports integration with enterprise systems via CAS, OIDC, SAML, and LDAP.

This level of detail makes NocoBase ideal for businesses handling sensitive data or requiring strict access control policies.

OutSystems: Predefined Roles for Easy Management

OutSystems, on the other hand, provides a standardized role-based permissions model, making it easier for IT teams to set up user access:

• Pre-configured roles – Assign admin, developer, or user roles with built-in permission structures.
• Page-level access control – Restrict access at the module or page level for simplified management.
• Enterprise authentication support – Works with OAuth 2.0, SAML, LDAP, Active Directory (AD), and SSO for seamless authentication.
• Limited customization – While OutSystems' default system covers most needs, complex access control may require additional plugins or custom solutions.

⠀For enterprises that prioritize fast setup over deep customization, OutSystems’ built-in permission system provides a quick and structured solution.

Workflows & Automation

Automating business processes is key to boosting efficiency and reducing repetitive tasks.
NocoBase and OutSystems approach workflow automation differently, balancing custom flexibility against ready-to-use automation.

NocoBase: Fully Customizable Process Automation

NocoBase offers a plugin-based workflow engine, enabling enterprises to build tailored automation workflows:

• Advanced business process modeling (BPM) – Use a visual workflow editor to create automated approvals, notifications, and task assignments.
• Event-driven automation – Workflows can trigger based on user actions, time schedules, or system events, adapting to diverse business needs.
• Extensible automation – Developers can create custom workflow nodes to automate API calls, connect with third-party systems, and expand functionality.
• Blending no-code and low-code – Provides an intuitive interface for non-technical users, while also allowing developers to write custom logic.

This level of control makes NocoBase ideal for businesses that require highly flexible automation workflows.

OutSystems: Predefined Workflows for Fast Deployment

OutSystems focuses on prebuilt workflow automation, offering a tightly integrated automation suite:

• Process-driven development – Includes Process Modeler, a drag-and-drop tool for building workflows.
• Enterprise-grade automation – Deeply integrated with OutSystems’ user management, notification system, and enterprise tools.
• State-machine logic – Uses predefined state transitions, automatically advancing tasks as they are completed.
• Limited customization – While OutSystems streamlines standard workflows, custom processes often require additional API calls or development work.

For businesses that need quick and structured automation, OutSystems provides a hassle-free, integrated solution.

Cost Analysis: One-Time Investment vs. Recurring Subscription

Choosing a low-code platform is not just about features—it’s also about long-term cost-effectiveness.
Below is a cost comparison of NocoBase and OutSystems based on different team sizes:

Team Size	NocoBase Cost	OutSystems Cost
1-10 members (Small teams)	Free (Community Edition) or ¥5,000 (Standard Edition)	$36,300 per year
10-50 members (Mid-sized teams)	¥50,000 (Professional Edition, one-time license)	$80,000+ per year (depends on users & application size)
50+ members (Large enterprises)	Enterprise Edition (custom pricing)	$100,000+ per year (varies by application & user count)

For more details on pricing, check out:

• NocoBase Pricing
• OutSystems Pricing

Conclusion: Which Platform Is Right for You?

After comparing NocoBase and OutSystems in-depth, it's clear that these two platforms cater to different types of businesses and development needs.

Choose NocoBase if you:

✅ Need full control over your application with high customization flexibility.


✅ Prefer self-hosting to protect your data and avoid vendor lock-in.


✅ Want a one-time investment rather than paying annual subscription fees.


✅ Have a technical team that can configure data structures, permissions, and workflows.
👉 NocoBase gives you open-source flexibility and long-term cost savings!

Choose OutSystems if you:

✅ Have a large IT budget and can afford an enterprise subscription.


✅ Don’t want to manage infrastructure and prefer official support.


✅ Need fast deployment with prebuilt components rather than deep customization.
👉 OutSystems provides a fully managed, enterprise-grade low-code experience!

💡 Not a developer? Even without coding, you can still build advanced applications with NocoBase’s plugin ecosystem! Many companies have already used NocoBase to streamline their business processes—see real-world case studies here.

Still Unsure? Explore More:

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The best choice depends on your team's size, budget, technical expertise, and long-term goals. Take your time to evaluate what works best for you! 🚀

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