A12

The A12 AI Low Code Platform is built on the concept of model-driven software engineering (MDSE), applying the low-code principle to the development of public sector applications of all kinds – from application portals and online services to digital register solutions and complex domain-specific case processing systems.

A12 is designed as an open platform, providing broad flexibility for the development as well as the long-term maintenance and evolution of custom software. Domain experts and business analysts can model the functional core of the software themselves using modeling tools. The principle is "Data First" – modeling starts with data structures, not with the UI. The consistent separation of domain logic and technology makes it possible to preserve the functional core even across technology transitions. Domain models can be reused across applications and have proven themselves over several generations of technology.

Proven in mission-critical environments: A12 has formed the technical backbone of ELSTER for more than 10 years. Using A12, domain experts in the tax administration model validation rules and calculations for more than 1,000 tax models themselves and update them without any developer involvement. ELSTER is used by more than 25 million people today and meets the highest requirements for availability, performance and security.

A12 specifically supports the implementation of requirements in the areas of data protection, compliance and IT security as well as applicable accessibility requirements (WCAG 2.2, BITV 2.0) and the service standard of the BMDS DIN SPEC 66366.

The Enterprise Edition adds extended capabilities: AI features can be used both within the application itself and for AI-assisted development (Agentic Coding). The Enterprise Edition provides defined vendor support with SLA.

Further information:

• General overview of A12
• Introduction video
• GetA12 – Technical documentation
• A12 Platform Code
• Release overview
• Release lines & support periods

A12 is available under a dual license: open source under EUPL-1.2 and commercially for extended Enterprise features. Details on editions and licensing.