Much Ado About Four Platforms

There are four types of platforms:

• Marketplaces: are sites that allow two parties to make transactions.

  • Real examples:
    • Wallapop
    • eBay
    • Airbnb

• Base platforms: provide IT resources to start a project.

  • Real examples:
    • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    • Microsoft Azure
    • Google Cloud Platform

• Development platforms: allow you to develop better and faster.

  • Real examples:
    • GitHub
    • Heroku
    • Vercel

• Business capability platforms: create an open ecosystem.

  • Real examples:
    • Salesforce AppExchange
    • Shopify App Store
    • Apple App Store

There can also be hybrid models that combine more than one type of platform.