How Unqork is transforming software development
The world of software development is undergoing a seismic shift. Gary Hoberman’s Unqork, a no-code platform founded in 2017, is at the center of this transformation.
In a recent interview with CEO.com, Hoberman shared his journey, the challenges of traditional software, and how Unqork is revolutionizing application building.
For years, businesses have relied on coding to create software. However, as Hoberman explains, this approach comes with inherent challenges:
“Every technology I was bringing in to help drive the company’s future was actually setting it backward because you could never keep up with all of the maintenance required to keep software up to date.”
A seasoned engineer and former Global CIO at MetLife, Hoberman noticed a pattern. Software solutions, no matter how cutting-edge, would immediately start to deteriorate upon deployment. This realization sparked his vision for a better way.
Hoberman’s radical solution was to eliminate code. He envisioned a platform where users could build applications without writing a single line of code. Instead, they would configure reusable components through a visual interface. This became the foundation of Unqork.
“Humans invented 9,000 cryptic languages to speak to machines… and we invented all these cryptic languages to communicate that you can’t understand,” Hoberman explained. “We’ve removed a barrier to innovation, which is code.”
With Unqork, businesses can focus on creating value rather than being distracted by the complexities of programming languages or the burden of software maintenance.
What sets Unqork apart is its philosophy of “configuration, not coding.” The platform enables technical and non-technical users to build sophisticated applications with a drag-and-drop interface. This results in faster development times, reduced costs, and improved software.
“Remove the language and remove the runtime… describe your software using democratized data so that you and I can read and understand it together,” Hoberman shared.
This software development democratization empowers industries like finance, healthcare, and government to innovate without traditional barriers.
The path to creating Unqork wasn’t easy. Hoberman faced significant skepticism when pitching his idea.
“I was turned down by 300 investors who said I’m nuts and this will never work,” he recalled.
But Hoberman’s perseverance paid off. Today, Unqork is trusted by major enterprises and recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies. Its platform is a tool and a paradigm shift in how businesses approach technology.
Hoberman’s vision for Unqork extends beyond building applications—it’s about redefining the role of technology in business.
“Imagine a world where there’s no more software maintenance, and you could focus on driving value from business and changes,” he said.
This forward-thinking approach has made Unqork a pioneer in the no-code movement, helping organizations unlock innovation at scale.
Gary Hoberman’s account of Unqork’s journey is a testament to the power of challenging the status quo. By eliminating code and embracing configuration, Unqork is not just simplifying software development—it’s paving the way for a new digital transformation era.
As Hoberman aptly puts it: “Our first customers are still not just using Unqork today, seven years later, but they were on the same version you would use if you signed up tomorrow.”
Unqork’s story proves that even the most entrenched challenges can be overcome with the right vision. The future of software is here, and it’s no code.