What Are Platforms and Why Are They So Powerful?

The modern world runs on platforms.
 

Think of Apple devices. They run on the iPhone Operating System (iOS), which provides a common platform that lets almost 2 million apps run on many different devices and models and lets them talk to each other and the outside world. Without iOS, each time you bought a new iPhone you would have to go to a different store for each app to purchase the correct version for your phone model. Programmers would have to write different software for every model. If systems couldn’t talk to each other, you’d be running fewer apps and they would be far less helpful.
 

Even auto companies are taking a platform approach to effectively respond to different consumer needs. Car design is costly and involves significant research, development, and testing. What if an automaker could develop several foundational components—like the frame, drive train, control systems, and engines—and use those to deliver differentiated models to various consumer segments? They would realize cost efficiencies, improved reliability, and faster time to market! Many automakers have taken this approach, allowing them to use one platform to deliver transportation options to business, industrial, and consumer segments.

What Is a Platform?

What are platforms, and why are they so important? Put simply, a platform is an integrated collection of hardware, software, and cloud-based components that eliminate the complexity and business risks associated with delivering a new experience, service, or application to a customer.
 

These hardware and software environments let people build and run applications with the standards and protocols that enable applications to exchange data. Platforms are everywhere in commerce: payment platforms (PayPal, Stripe, Square), e-commerce platforms (Amazon Marketplace, eBay), streaming service platforms (Netflix, Spotify, YouTube), ride-sharing platforms (Uber, Lyft), home rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO), and food delivery platforms (DoorDash, Grubhub). Platforms are also central in tech: development platforms (GitHub, bitbucket), and cloud hosting platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure). The internet itself is a platform. Operating systems (Windows, Linux, iOS, Android) are platforms that provide a shared infrastructure enabling millions of apps to run on billions of different computers and phones.
 

Platforms matter because they make developing, integrating, and sharing code and content easier. Platforms are also central to broadband service providers (BSPs). A broadband platform supports efficient service delivery (broadband, VoIP, IPTV), network management (performance monitoring, optimization), and customer management (CRM, billing, support). Platforms also increase cost efficiency through operational processes, automation, and integration—supporting innovation and scalability.
 

As a growing BSP, consider how a platform can improve your operations and efficiency and enable your small team to do more.

Learn more about the Calix Broadband Platform as an end-to-end solution for your broadband business.