Since its inception in 2017, Retool has established itself as a leading low-code tool for constructing browser-based internal line-of-business applications. The widely recognized startup is now utilized by thousands of companies including Amazon, OpenAI, Pinterest, Plaid, Snowflake, Taco Bell, and Volvo. With the introduction of “Retool for External Apps,” a newly available service, Retool is expanding its scope beyond internal apps to encompass external applications. This service aims to facilitate the rapid and efficient development of secure and high-performing apps for a broader audience.
During the preview phase, various companies, including larger enterprises like Orangetheory and startups seeking MVPs, have begun utilizing the External service offered by Retool. The focus is primarily on business applications rather than consumer applications.
The core concept behind Retool is based on the idea that internal tools share fundamental building blocks like buttons, forms, and tables. This principle extends to external business software, where operational applications share similar characteristics, emphasizing CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) functionalities that interact with databases.
While building for an external audience requires considerations like branding and performance, the underlying functionality remains consistent across apps. Retool ensures security by incorporating authentication and authorization features, alongside customized onboarding and user experience enhancements to meet customer requirements.
Retool is enabling businesses to embed new apps using React and JavaScript SDKs, streamlining invite and onboarding processes. Antony Bello, a senior product manager at Retool, emphasizes the importance of delivering user-focused features and ensuring security when developing external applications.
In its mission to democratize software development, Retool aims to provide “good software” to a wider audience. By prioritizing performance, reliability, and security, Retool aspires to surpass React in efficiency by focusing on essential use cases.
