Topic: “What are Software Platforms” Software platforms are the digital products that make technology work, and they generally fall into two categories: applications and operating systems. A software platform is usually an operating system that powers a device, such as a laptop or a phone. So, for example, your cell phone’s operating system is the platform on which third-party developers create applications you can use on the phone.
Some software applications effectively act as platforms. The Java programming language, for example, is a software application you can download to a device and run applications with it. Regardless of the type of software, platforms are the basis on which developers create products for consumer use.
Types of software platforms
Here is a list of software platforms and how they work:
Technology platforms
The technology platform is not user-facing. Instead, it is the foundation upon which a user-facing company builds its product. So, for example, two different video streaming services may use the same technology platform. Still, their interfaces will look different to users since they interact with the company’s interfaces rather than the platform.
Operational platforms
An operational platform is a user interface and the primary medium that a device uses. For example, regardless of the brand and model, your smartphone uses an operating platform. The operating software on your cell phone allows third-party app developers to create products that run on it. Other devices, such as tablets, smart TVs, or computers, also use operating platforms.
Service platforms
A service platform usually includes a website or other digital product offering free users something. The forum’s goal is to use the free service to get an audience large enough to satisfy the platform for advertisers. A search engine is one example of a service platform. Users use the search engine to find things on the Internet, and eventually, the platform starts monetizing the audience through ads.
Another example of a service platform might be a website that caters to the travel industry. Users can use the site to find affordable flights, search for hotels, explore potential tourist activities, and plan a trip. The service is free, and the value to the platform comes when more users earn the site higher ad rates.
Video games
Each game console model has its software platform; third-party developers build games for that software. The release of the new generation of game consoles requires updating the hardware that programmers use to create fun, and the software that serves as the basis for games is also changing. Like other platforms, game console software can update and add new features, correct bugs, or address security concerns.
Sharing platforms
These platforms focus on user engagement and interaction with other users. The sharing platform is often free to use and includes social media sites, which allow users to post the content and interact with other users. User identity is an essential component of these websites because they allow users to create a personality, be themselves, choose a username, and add personal information. After the account is created, users can post content, share other people’s content, and connect with other users. User account types include organizations, corporations, real people, and fictitious people.
The platform then uses algorithms to track user behavior and deliver content based on their interests and interactions. Engaging and retaining users allows the forum to benefit from its services through advertisements.
Digital Markets
The digital marketplace focuses on facilitating e-commerce by connecting users searching for goods with people or organizations in search of potential buyers. Digital marketplaces include real estate, retail, auctions, fundraising from investors, and vacation rental properties. The digital marketplace platform has the elements of a search engine, where people on the site search for specific items. It also allows for user engagement since the platform often will enable users to post and respond to information, such as reviews.
Consumer demand platforms
This software application works as its platform, often as a downloadable application. Ride-sharing, grocery delivery, and on-demand consumer services are typical examples of this platform. Consumer order platforms usually contain:
- A payment system.
- A method for tracking the status of a consumer order.
- A method for evaluating the service received.
Media typically focus on a specific area, such as flight sharing, instead of a digital marketplace that may offer a wide range of e-commerce options.
Content platforms
Content platforms sometimes allow video uploading and sharing or allow users to stream video games. The media focus on enabling users to create and share their content with others. Platforms often have a revenue-sharing relationship with content creators. As the content creator gets views of their content, the platform allows automated ads to appear. The forum and the creator divide the advertisement revenue by a rate based on ideas or clicks.
Data collection platforms
This often includes programming that allows data collectors to crawl websites and collect data. Some data harvesting platforms collect data through their platform, such as mapping services that collect location data. To join the forum, users allow their data to be used, enabling the user to get the service while the platform receives more data that helps provide that service.
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