Internal Review: No-Code Team App Builder

At Bubble, we want to enable potential builders to create their ideas without code, so we are exploring and reviewing the many tools and software that entrepreneurs might use to build their ideas.

What is Internal?

Internal is a no-code tool that enables teams at companies of all sizes to build and maintain internal tools. The platform is designed to democratize internal-tool building, allowing non-engineers to build out tools that engineers or product designers are normally been tasked with. The system allows businesses to reduce the workload of their engineers, while empowering other team members to effectively build out useful tools. However, engineers also have the option to layer in custom APIs with JavaScript, should they need to create a unique solution for their internal teams.

Internal users are also able to integrate existing data from different business apps, databases and APIs. Once users connect their databases Internal presents the relevant data points in one place. The platform's Super Records layout gives the user free reign to highlight the tasks and to-do’s that are most relevant to the project at hand.

Internal sets itself apart with the variety of use cases that they specialize in and the tools that can be created. Teams can build approval queues that centralize cross-department communications and can accommodate things like applications, new users, orders, and more. Internal also offers users the ability to create client onboarding tools that simplify project management with useful tools like record-keeping and key milestones. Content management teams can build customizable databases where users can manage publishing, editing, and more. Additional features include compliance, product development, user management and data mapping,

Internal places a strong emphasis on data safety for its users and their customers in light of the recent concerns around “God View” tools. As a result, Internal employs a unique set of features in an attempt to curb the access that team members may have to sensitive information. These features include edit permissions, which dictate what data points are visible to team members, 2-step verification during the login process, and audit logs for administrators to monitor system activity.

Who is Internal for?

Internal is designed for businesses both small and large to utilize. Mid-size and larger companies that have multiple projects and tasks at play can utilize the tool to lessen the workload for their product designers and engineers. Startups and smaller companies can use the tool to empower their non-technical teams to not only build but also manage the tools that they need.

Consumer-facing businesses can make good use of the tools data privacy features when managing customers, as well as the order and refunds functionality available on the platform. Companies that offer subscription services could utilize the tool for its customer support features and user management.

Internal Cost and Pricing

(Pricing model evaluation: September 2020)

Internal does offer a fully functional free option with the Starter plan, but users aren’t able to integrate with business applications and don’t have access to 2FA and SSO controls. Free users also don’t have access to priority support and onboarding. Outside of the free option, Internal offers three different pricing tiers: Essentials, Growth, and Enterprise. Additional pricing details include:

Starter Plan: The Starter plan is free to use, and subscribers can have up to 5 users with access to unlimited spaces. Starter plan users can connect with up to 3 core data sources (database, Google Sheets, etc) and also have access to all app builder features (components, rich form fields, rich display fields). Internal’s Starter plan also includes granular permissions and audit logs, as well as email support.

Essentials Plan: Users with the Essentials plan pay $25 per month, which is billed annually. Essentials users have access to everything included in the Starter plan above, in addition to an unlimited number of users and the ability to connect with up to (2) business applications (platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, etc).

Growth Plan: Growth plan users pay $50 per month, which is billed annually. Teams with the Growth plan receive all of the features included in the Essentials plan above, as well as the ability to connect with up to (5) core data sources and (5) business applications. Growth plan users also have access to 2FA controls.

Enterprise Plan: Teams that are interested in the Enterprise plan will have to contact Internal for pricing details. Enterprise plan users get all of the perks associated with the Growth plan, in addition to being able to connect with an unlimited number of core data sources and an unlimited number of business applications. Enterprise plan members also have access to SSO controls, priority support, and onboarding/training.

Internal vs. Bubble: A Comparison

How does Internal compare to a no-code platform like Bubble?

The main similarities between Bubble and Internal include:

Both Bubble and Internal offer a free option.

Both Bubble and Internal offer front-end and back-end capabilities.

Both Bubble and Internal offer no-code app building.

Both Bubble and Internal offer integration with databases.

The main differences between Bubble and Internal are:

Objectives: Internal as a tool allows non-technical teams to easily build out solutions for their projects. While Internal is a no-code tool, it intends to serve existing businesses that are looking for project management solutions. With Bubble, users can launch their business or internal team tool with a web app built from scratch. Bubble’s no-code platform allows you to bring your idea to life, or create customized internal tools for your team to manage and scale your business.

Users: Internal as a tool is primarily used by teams at small to large businesses, with the hope of reducing the workload for engineering teams. Solo entrepreneurs may not require a custom tool for managing their workload. Bubble is a platform for businesses and teams of all sizes, including those who may be the only person at their company. Bubble’s product aims to simplify the process of creating a web app overall, whether that be for internal teams or external clients.

Customization: While Internal does allow users to build functional internal applications, the system provides a framework that aggregates data points. Engineers have the opportunity to customize the layout further, but the non-technical teams are limited in their abilities to fully reimagine the interface. With Bubble, users can build a custom front-end interface for their web app with a drag-and-drop design tools, and connect with any APIs using Bubble’s API Connector plugin, all without needing to code.

Alternatives to Internal

Alternative no-code website builders include:

• If you’re looking for another no-code tool that offers team management tools, check out Monday or Basecamp.
• If you’re looking for a tool that can serve larger enterprises with custom internal apps, try out Kintone or Quick Base.
• For teams that work strictly in operations and need to improve efficiency with customized workflows, give Pipefy a try.
• If you’re looking for a fully customizable no-code platform that can power your business, try out Bubble.
• If you need a tool that will translate your documents and sheets into a single source, try out Coda.

About Bubble

Bubble is a leader in the no-code movement. Bubble offers a powerful point-and-click web editor and cloud hosting platform that allows users to build fully customizable web applications and workflows, ranging from simple prototypes to complex marketplaces, SaaS products, and more. Over 400,000 users are building and launching businesses on Bubble - many have gone on to participate in top accelerator programs, such as Y Combinator, and even raise $365M in venture funding. Bubble is more than just a product. We are a strong community of builders and entrepreneurs that are united by the belief that everyone should be able to create technology.

Join the no-code movement today.

Disclaimer: The goal of these reviews is to provide an honest, practical, differentiated comparison of features and educate readers on tools in the no-code ecosystem so that you can evaluate how these services fit together and serve your needs.