Systems
Platform
Plain English
A glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term people glossaryBuildA build is the process of compiling and packaging code into a runnable application.Open glossary term on or use.
Definition
A platform is a glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term or glossaryEnvironmentAn environment is a specific configured setup where software runs, such as development, staging, or production, each with its own data and settings. Keeping them consistent is what makes behaviour in one predict behaviour in another.Open glossary term that enables users, glossaryServiceA service is a component or function that performs a specific task within a system.Open glossary term, or applications to interact, build, or operate.
In practice
Examples include SaaS platforms, marketplaces, and development glossaryEnvironmentAn environment is a specific configured setup where software runs, such as development, staging, or production, each with its own data and settings. Keeping them consistent is what makes behaviour in one predict behaviour in another.Open glossary term.
In context
The word gets applied to almost anything, which is why it is worth asking the test question: can someone glossaryBuildA build is the process of compiling and packaging code into a runnable application.Open glossary term on top of this without our involvement? If not, it is a product.
The reality
Platforms grow in complexity quickly and require strong glossaryGovernanceGovernance defines the rules, processes, and structures that guide decision-making and ensure accountability within an organisation or system.Open glossary term and glossaryScalabilityScalability is the ability of a system to handle increased demand without losing performance.Open glossary term planning.
Compared with
Platform vs Product
A product does a job for its users. A platform lets others glossaryBuildA build is the process of compiling and packaging code into a runnable application.Open glossary term things that do jobs. Calling a product a platform is a positioning decision that creates expectations the glossaryArchitectureArchitecture refers to the structure and organisation of a system, including how components interact and are designed.Open glossary term may not meet.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is a platform?
It is a glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term that supports applications, users, or glossaryServiceA service is a component or function that performs a specific task within a system.Open glossary term.
What are examples of platforms?
Shopify, iOS, and glossaryCloudCloud refers to the delivery of computing services such as storage, processing, and networking over the internet.Open glossary term platforms.
Why are platforms important?
They enable glossaryScalabilityScalability is the ability of a system to handle increased demand without losing performance.Open glossary term and glossaryIntegrationIntegration is the process of connecting different systems, tools, or services to work together.Open glossary term.
What challenges do platforms face?
Complexity, glossaryScalingScaling is the process of growing a product or system to handle increased demand without compromising performance or experience. It applies to technology, users, and operations.Open glossary term, and glossaryGovernanceGovernance defines the rules, processes, and structures that guide decision-making and ensure accountability within an organisation or system.Open glossary term.
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