The term “platform” is traditionally used to refer to places such as train or subway stations, but recently it has been used in various ways in the IT field. Let’s explore the meaning, concept, types, and origin of this term “platform”.
Meaning of Platform
The term “platform” fundamentally refers to the bottom or base of a machine or device, but it is used in various ways depending on the context.
It is used broadly in many areas, not only meaning ‘platform’ in the sense of a train station, but also ‘stage’, ‘springboard’, ‘structure that can launch rockets or missiles’, ‘space for expressing opinions’, ‘place for gathering information’, ‘space for distributing content’, ‘intermediary space on the internet’, and more.
In addition, it is also applied as a term referring to ‘base devices’ of tangible and intangible forms. Especially in the IT field, it refers to an information technology system that includes hardware and software such as computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.
A platform includes an operating system (OS) that can run various software, and allows users to use various services. For example, Android and iOS can be seen as smartphone platforms, and Windows and Mac can be seen as computer platforms. Because a platform provides a basis for users to use various services, it plays a very important role in the IT industry.
The Korean dictionary also defines ‘platform’ in four ways:
A place to get on and off the train at the station.
A square made of 4 meters of angle iron where you lift the barbell in weightlifting.
A term referring to the preparation stand at a height of 5~10 meters in diving.
A basic service that builds and opens an information system environment so that anyone can easily utilize various and vast information.
Concept of Platform
A platform refers to a system where various stakeholders are connected to create value.
Stakeholders participating in the platform can be divided into two main categories:
1. Producers :
Entities that provide goods or services through the platform
2. Consumers :
Entities that consume goods or services through the platform
With the development of internet communication today, a cyber station, i.e., a space in e-commerce where suppliers and consumers can get on and off, was needed, and the term ‘platform’ naturally settled as a term meaning ‘a place that mediates between suppliers and consumers’. The platform provides a point of contact by connecting suppliers and consumers, and creates value in the process. For example, online shopping malls provide a convenient shopping experience by connecting sellers and buyers, and provide benefits to both sellers and buyers in the process.
Types of Platform
Platforms can be divided into various types depending on their form:
1. Hardware Platform :
A platform that provides a physical basis. For example, smartphones, PCs, cars, etc. fall under the hardware platform.
2. Software Platform :
A platform based on software. For example, operating systems, applications, games, etc. fall under the software platform.
3. Service Platform :
A platform provided in the form of a service. For example, online shopping malls, delivery applications, taxi call services, etc. fall under the service platform.
Origin of Platform
The term ‘platform’ originated from the Middle French word ‘plateforme’. This word is a word made by combining ‘plate’, which means ‘flat’, and ‘forme’, which means ‘form’, and means ‘flat form’. This word evolved into the English platform, changing into a word that includes the concept of ‘stepping stone’ or ‘foundation’.
The first use of the platform was in 16th century France. At that time in France, a flat plate was laid on the fortress so that cannons could be freely arranged according to the shape of the enemy’s position. This flat plate was called “plate-forme”, which is the original meaning of the platform.
In the 19th century, with the development of railways and subways, the meaning of the platform expanded. The platform began to be used to refer to the platform of railways and subways. In addition, it was also used to refer to the chassis of a car. Entering the 20th century, the meaning of the platform expanded even further.
Especially in the IT field, the platform began to be used to refer to a system where various stakeholders are connected to create value. For example, online shopping malls, delivery applications, taxi call services, etc. are representative examples of platforms.
Today, platforms play an important role in various fields of our society. New business models and services based on platforms are emerging in various fields such as economy, society, culture, etc. The use of platforms will continue to spread in the future. The first e-commerce platform in Korea was Auction, which was established in 1998. Auction is an internet auction platform that started by bringing in the business model of eBay in the United States.
This concludes our exploration of the meaning, concept, types, and origin of the term “platform”.
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