Platform Technologies: An Introduction

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of a platform in information technology?

  • To enable the development, deployment, and operation of software applications and services. (correct)
  • To operate independently without any additional software.
  • To limit the number of services that can be run on a device.
  • To complicate the development of software applications.

How do platforms contribute to the digital landscape?

  • By centralizing control and decreasing scalability.
  • By enabling innovation, interoperability, and scalability. (correct)
  • By limiting user access to certain types of hardware.
  • By increasing fragmentation and inhibiting innovation.

What does technology utilize to solve problems and improve efficiency?

  • Complex algorithms that are only understandable by experts.
  • Only hardware components.
  • Knowledge, tools, and systems. (correct)
  • Random guesses and luck.

What is the ultimate result of technology enhancing innovation, efficiency, collaboration, and user experience?

<p>leading to better products and services that adapt to changing needs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What three components constitute platform technology?

<p>Hardware, software, and cloud. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Wikipedia's definition, what benefit does platform technology provide?

<p>Allows various products to emerge without the expense of a new process introduction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technologies enabled the creation of dynamic websites and applications during the rise of the internet in the 1990s?

<p>HTML, JavaScript, and web servers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What development in the 1970s aided software development by allowing multiple applications to run on the same hardware?

<p>The development of operating systems like UNIX. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of platform technology, what characterized the 'Mainframe Era' of the 1960s?

<p>Large systems like IBM's OS/360 providing a foundation for applications accessed through terminals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key event revolutionized mobile computing in the 2000s?

<p>The launch of the iPhone and the rise of Android. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has been a primary impact of cloud computing on platform technologies since the 2010s?

<p>Providing scalable infrastructure and tools for developers to build and deploy applications without managing physical servers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes current trends in platform technologies related to Web3 and Blockchain?

<p>Emphasis on user control and transparency through decentralized platforms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a tangible platform?

<p>Desktops or laptops. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are the two main categories of platform technology?

<p>Tangible and intangible. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of tangible platforms?

<p>Physical presence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What benefit do organizations gain from having control over the hardware and infrastructure of tangible platforms?

<p>Customization and optimization. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary challenge associated with using tangible platforms?

<p>Scalability issues due to the need for significant investment in additional hardware. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following serves as an example of an intangible platform?

<p>Cloud computing services. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of intangible platforms?

<p>Existing in a digital or virtual space. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of intangible platforms regarding cost?

<p>Lower upfront costs because the organization can pay for what they use. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential challenge when using intangible platforms?

<p>Dependency on internet connectivity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element is typically included in platform technologies?

<p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do operating systems serve in platform technologies?

<p>Act as an interface between the computer and user, as well as between the computer and the application. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes digital marketplace platforms?

<p>Facilitate e-commerce by creating a virtual environment for buyers and sellers to transact. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of engagement platforms?

<p>To enable companies' interaction with potential customers and team members. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a Platform?

A foundational technology or environment enabling software application development, deployment, and operation.

What is Technology?

The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, improving efficiency and shaping communities.

What is Platform Technology?

The application of scientific knowledge using hardware, software, and cloud computing to create applications.

Mainframe Era

Large systems like IBM's OS/360 provided a foundation for applications, accessed through terminals.

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Personal Computing

In the 1970s and 1980s, Apple II and IBM PC led to the development of operating systems.

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Rise of the Internet

In the early 1990s, HTML, JavaScript, and web servers enabled the creation of dynamic websites and applications.

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Mobile Revolution

The launch of the iPhone in 2007 and the rise of Android revolutionized mobile computing.

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Cloud Computing

Services like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform provided scalable infrastructure.

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Web3 and Blockchain

Development of decentralized platforms using blockchain for user control and transparency.

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Artificial Intelligence

AI platforms have become integral to applications, enabling natural language processing and automation.

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Tangible Platforms

Physical or hardware-based systems that provide a foundation for software applications and services.

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Intangible Platforms

Software-based systems or frameworks that provide a foundation for applications and services without a physical form.

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Desktop Computer

Computing devices designed to fit on a desk.

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Laptop Computer

Portable computer, easy to carry

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Mobile Devices

Handheld computer system designed to be portable.

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Tablet Computers

Mobile device designed to be portable without keyboards or touchpads.

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Smartphones

Powerful mobile phone with rich features and functionalities.

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Gaming Consoles

Electronic device that outputs a video signal or image for interactive gaming.

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Software-Based Platform

Software platforms such as operating systems and other application programs

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Operating System

Acts as an interface between the computer and the user.

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Application Program

Computer software that is developed to aid a user in performing tasks.

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Cloud Services

Scalable and flexible resources over the internet.

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Application Development Platforms

A set of integrated technologies that enable teams to build software applications efficiently

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Analytics Platform

For capturing, processing, analyzing and visualizing data

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Blockchain Platforms

Shared digital ledger that allows users to record transactions and share information securely and tamper-resistantly.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Platform Technologies

  • Platform technologies have become the design paradigm of choice due to the rise of IT and the complexity of the technology landscape.
  • The platform model emerged with the development of personal computers, where operating system providers created platforms for software developers.
  • The platform model has come of age due to the widespread use of the internet, with Internet companies defining their solutions as platforms.

What is a Platform?

  • A platform refers to a foundational technology or environment which enables the development, deployment, and operation of software applications and services in IT.
  • It is a base for building, developing, and running applications, processes, or technologies, providing tools, frameworks, and infrastructure.
  • A platform constitutes the basic foundation upon which any application or software is supported and/or developed.
  • Platforms encompass various components, including hardware, software, and services and enables scalability innovation, and interoperability in the digital landscape.

Defining Technology

  • Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes or applications.
  • It uses knowledge, tools, and systems to solve problems, improve efficiency, connect people, shape communities, and simplifies daily life.
  • Technology applies scientific principles to change the environment in which humans live.
  • Technology enhances innovation, efficiency, collaboration, and user experience, leading to better products and services.

Platform Technology

  • The Application of scientific knowledge to create, develop and deploy applications, tools or services using different hardware, software and cloud computing technology - it changes the environment in which humans live.
  • Platform technology is a toolset used to build, modify, maintain, and monitor services and products in the digital or cyber world.
  • Wikipedia defines platform technology as a structure or technology that allows products evolve without new processes.
  • Established platforms can support the creation of various solutions and embraced easily within organizations.
  • For example, developers can use the Microsoft .NET software development platform to create various applications using the same tools and underlying technology.

History of Platform Technology

  • Early Computing (1960s): Platforms began with mainframe computers, where systems like IBM's OS/360 provided a foundation for applications accessed through terminals.
  • Personal Computing (1970s-1980s): Personal computers like the Apple II and IBM PC led to operating systems (DOS, Macintosh, Windows) for software application development, with user-friendly interfaces.
  • Rise of the Internet (1990s): The World Wide Web led to web-based platforms, HTML, JavaScript, and web servers enabled dynamic websites and applications.
  • Rise of the Internet (1990s): E-commerce Platforms like Amazon (founded in 1994) and eBay (founded in 1995) emerged which allowed businesses and consumers to interact online.
  • Mobile Revolution (2000s): The iPhone launch in 2007 and the rise of Android revolutionized mobile computing while App markets(like Google Play & Apple App Store) became platforms for app distribution.
  • Mobile Revolution (2000s): Social media platforms like Facebook (founded in 2004) and X (Twitter, founded in 2006) created ecosystems for user-generated content and social interaction via smartphones.
  • Cloud Computing (2010s): The emergence of cloud computing transformed platform technologies.
  • Cloud Computing (2010s): Services like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform offered scalable infrastructure and tools for developers.
  • APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) allowed different software systems to communicate, enabling applications and services interconnection.
  • Current Trends (2020s): Web3 and Blockchain technology have introduced decentralized platforms using blockchain and emphasize user control and transparency.
  • Current Trends (2020s): AI platforms, like OpenAI's GPT models, are integral to applications, enabling advanced capabilities for automation and natural language processing.
  • Current Trends (2020s): Tailored cloud solutions for healthcare, finance, and manufacturing industries have appeared, optimizing operations and enhancing efficiency.

Types of Platform Technology

  • Platform technology can be categorized into two main types and include intangible and tangible.
  • Each type has distinct characteristics, benefits, and use cases.

Characteristics of Tangible Platforms

  • Tangible platforms consist of physical or hardware-based systems that lay the foundation for software applications and services.
  • Tangible platforms have a physical form as networking equipment, such as computers, or servers.
  • Tangible platforms often involve the underlying infrastructure, such as data centers, storage devices, and networking hardware, required to run applications.
  • Tangible platforms require physical maintenance, including hardware upgrades,physical security measures, and repairs.

Benefits of Tangible Platforms

  • Organizations have direct control over and optimization of the infrastructure and hardware.
  • Tangible platforms can provide high performance for specific applications, especially when requiring low latency.

Challenges of Tangible Platforms

  • The initial setup and ongoing maintenance can have a high cost.
  • Scaling tangible platforms often requires investment in additional hardware.

Characteristics of Intangible Platforms

  • Intangible platforms are software-based systems, services.
  • Intangible platforms exist in a virtual or digital space and do not have a physical form.
  • They are provided as a service (for example, Platform as a Service, Infrastructure as a Service, Software as a Service) and accessed remotely.
  • Intangible platforms can be easily scaled and updated without physical changes.

Benefits of Intangible Platforms

  • Intangible platform offer lower costs, and organizations pay for what they use whilst avoiding hardware investment .
  • It is easy to scale up or down according to demand, and updates can be deployed without downtime, which creates flexibility.
  • Intangible platform are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, promoting remote work and collaboration.

Challenges of Intangible Platforms

  • Performance can be affected depending on internet speed and reliability.
  • Vendor Lock-In can often occur, and organizations can become dependent on specific service providers which complicates switching platforms.

Tangible vs Intangible Platforms Comparison

  • Tangible Platforms: Physical hardware systems, Yes physical presence, Virtual infrastructure, Requires physical maintenance, Servers/networking, Higher upfront costs, Limited scalability, Limited accessibility, High Control
  • Intangible Platforms: Software-based systems and services, No physical presence, Virtual infrastructure, Software updates and maintenance, Cloud Services/CMS/Frameworks, Lower initial costs, Easily Scalable, Broad accessibility, Less Control

Components of Platform Technologies

  • Hardware architecture.
  • Operating System and software applications.
  • Development Frameworks and Tools.
  • Cloud Services.

Hardware-Based Platform

  • The hardware platform is essential for most digital products, as it is the backend machine that handles all operations.
  • A line of compatible hardware products creates a complete platform which has a wide and varied audience.
  • Hardware vendors maintain backward compatibility as long as possible to promote continued user functionality.
  • Emerging technologies
    • Necessity
    • Communication
  • Trends
    • Offices / Business
    • Homes / Families
    • Schools

Examples of Hardware Based Platforms

  • Desktop Computer
    • A personal computing device designed to fit on top of a typical office desk.
    • Physical hardware makes a computer run and connects to input devices such as the mouse, monitor and keyboard.
  • Laptop Computer
    • A portable computer that can be easily carried and used in a variety of locations and can run the same software and application as a desktop.
  • Netbook Computer
    • A type of laptop designed to be very portable but is less powerful than laptops/desktops generally.
    • Netbooks provide enough power for email and internet access which explains the name "netbook".
  • Mobile Devices include Tablet Computers and Smartphones.
    • A mobile device is any handheld computer system designed to be extremely portable so you can bring nearly everywhere.
    • Mobile devices are very powerful.
    • Tablet Computers are designed to be portable.
      • Most Tablet Computers don't have a keyboard or touchpad though their screen is touch sensitive allowing a user to interact in that way.
      • Tablet computers are used for web browsing, reading e-books, playing games, watching videos etc.
    • Smartphones are powerful mobile phones with internet access (3G, 4G, 5G cellular data connection) and have a wide range of functionalities.
  • Gaming Consoles
    • An electronic output device to display a video game that can be played using a controller.
    • Home consoles are generally placed in a permanent location connected to displays while handheld consoles include their own display unit and controller functions.
    • Hybrid consoles combine both elements. They can be used both in the home and as a hand held console.

Software Based Platform

  • Software platforms such as operating systems and other application programs are one of the most needed, common types of platform.
  • In the cyber and digital industries, softwares are tools to help hardware and allow applications, services, games, extensions, and other functions to run smoothly.
  • Operating System
    • The operating system acts as an interface between the computer, the user and the application.
    • Hardware and an operating system are together the usable platform which programs must run on.
    • The operating system is the platform for game/app development on digital goods for smartphones/tablets/computers and other gadgets.
  • Application Program
    • An application is computer software developed to aid a user in performing specific taskd.
    • A computing platform possesses the architecture of the hardware and a software framework that permits application software to operate.
  • Application software allows you to perform tasks, spreadsheets and documents. , for example, playing music or games and creating presentations,

Cloud Services

  • Cloud services play a crucial role providing flexible and scalable resources over the internet which allows developers to deploy, build, and manage applications.
  • With cloud services, developers do not need to have extensive on-premises infrastructure, allowing for cost efficiency and rapid innovation.
  • Cloud services give access to computing power, IT resources, storage, on demand applications and which removes the focus on upfront physical infrastructure investment.
  • Cloud services technology provides tools for the management, development and maintenance of complete environments for all online digital activity.

Development Frameworks and Tools.

  • Programming Languages such as Java, Python, Javascript, that developers use to build their new applications.
  • Pre-built tools/libraries(React, Angular, Django) that simplify and accelerate the development process.

Examples of Platform Technologies

  • Operating System Platform:
    • Manages all the software and programs on a computer or digital device and includes Linux, Windows, and macOS for PC's and Android and iOS for mobile devices.
    • It allows software applications to run effectively via an interface that communicates to the device.
    • Performing desired operations can be done when the appropriate operating system is installed and updated.
  • Database Platforms:
    • A tool consisting of programs to organize data or sorting.
    • Database platforms receive data requests from applications and also retrievie data from the operating system.
    • Companies can access data from any location due to centralized structure of those data platforms.
    • Common examples include MySQL and Microsoft Access.
  • Computing Platforms:
    • Built on operating systems that provide computing functionality, often in cloud computing and virtualization.
    • Cloud computing platforms allows scaling of virtual machines as required.
  • Storage Platforms:
    • Includes scalability, APIs and value add services that is backed up in locations.
  • Application Development Platforms
    • A set of technologies that allows teams to build software efficiently.
    • Are environments that are a toolkit designed to be used by people that allow the development and deployment of running or building applications.
    • Dynamic web applications by executing code.
  • Mobile Platforms
    • Mobile platforms include mobile operating systems, environments for mobile building apps.
    • Cloud platforms, services and API's for mobile app developers are found in areas like voice recognition.
  • Web Platforms:
    • Services that provides website, web based operations such as a web app or server and content distribution networks.
  • Content Management Systems (CMS):
    • Platforms that manage media documentation that can be used internally or externally.
  • Media Platforms:
    • Platforms for media analysis and publishing with tools, media delivery on a streaming.
  • API Platforms:
    • Are interfaces that help communications.
    • Critical enablers because they are seamless and share data, but also used in different applications.
  • Analytics Platform:
    • Data is captured and visualized. -This services helps capture and organize tools that process massive data.
  • Security Platform:
    • Is firewall and creates access management controls and a compliance report including key encryption.
  • Robotics Platform:
    • Software with simplified programmers that can be controlled.
    • Robotics platforms include robots and other backend systems.
  • Internet of Things (IoT):
    • Communication devices such as cloud computing for devices such as device management.
  • AI Platforms:
    • Use machine learning in order to carry out human task such as learning, social intelligence, and problem solving. -Virtual reality can be ready to use.
  • Game Platform:
    • Environments optimized for gaming can be 3d AR and VR.
    • Platforms for are PC console, and virtual reality, and the internet.
  • Engagement Platforms:
    • Software applications which helps businesses connect with each other.
    • Platforms can network details and help post contents.
  • Blockchain Platforms are a shared digital ledger users used to record information and or transaction. These platforms help support the framework .
  • Digital Marketplace Platforms
    • Its E-commerce for virtual events that help buyers and sellers. This is a basic feature.
  • Help optimize platforms like new egg.

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