Ten years and countless iterations later, we've finally built the product we always envisioned. The journey was long, filled with both triumphs and setbacks, but ultimately, it led us to where we are today. Here's a look back at our path, the lessons we learned, and how they shaped the platform we now call Lonti.
In 2014, we embarked on a journey with Toro Cloud, driven by the belief that low-code could revolutionize enterprise integration. Our first product, Toro Integrate, launched in 2016 as a server runtime without a UI. This was mistake number one; we quickly learned that developers craved an integrated development environment (IDE).
By 2018, we'd released an Eclipse-based IDE, but maintaining separate desktop and web-based versions proved cumbersome. Lesson learned: choosing the right framework from the outset is crucial. We also realized that the name "Toro Integrate" had unintentionally limited our product's perceived scope.
Rebranded as Martini in 2019, our platform expanded to encompass API creation, automation, and more. While Martini v1 offered low-code services, their limitations became apparent. Developers needed more than just building blocks; they needed a way to orchestrate them effectively. This realization highlighted the importance of understanding user needs and building a product that truly solves their problems.
Martini v2, released in 2020, introduced workflows, providing a visual and intuitive way to manage integrations, data, and automation. Services remained for power users, but workflows became the heart of the platform. This shift was driven by user feedback and marked a turning point in our product's evolution.
By 2024, it was time for a fresh start. We rebranded as Lonti and moved away from the traditional enterprise sales model. We embraced open access, allowing developers to explore the platform freely. Our focus shifted towards empowering developers through content and self-discovery.
Building a great product is an iterative process. We stumbled along the way, but we also learned valuable lessons. Listening to user feedback, adapting to change, and focusing on the end user are essential for building a product that people love.
Today, Lonti reflects everything we've learned over the past decade. We're committed to serving the developer community by providing powerful tools, open access, and a focus on self-discovery. We're excited for the future and invite you to join us on this journey. After all, this platform was built for you.