The word platform can mean drastically different things depending on the context, but it most commonly refers to a foundation, environment, or marketplace that supports, connects, or hosts other systems, businesses, or products.
The primary definitions of a platform span several distinct categories: 1. Technology & Computing
In IT and software development, a computing platform is any hardware, software, or operating system environment where applications can run.
Operating Systems: Examples like Microsoft Windows, macOS, or Linux serve as software platforms that provide essential libraries and APIs for applications to execute.
Cloud & Infrastructure: Platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) provide cloud environments for developers to build, host, and scale applications without worrying about physical servers.
Platform Engineering: Internal organizational structures (Internal Developer Platforms) create standardized, self-service tools and “golden paths” to help development teams deploy software faster and with less friction. 2. Business & Economics
In the business world, a platform business does not necessarily create its own inventory; instead, it provides the digital infrastructure to connect independent producers directly with consumers.
What I Talk About When I Talk About Platforms – Martin Fowler
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