Pronunciation

Assembled technologies which together form a distinctive base with a set of standards around which other applications and technologies can be built.

Computer platforms are made of operating systems and hardware. Some software is designed for one platform only, but many have different versions that can run on different platforms. Since some web browsers are beginning to run third party programs within the browser itself, they have also started to be referred to as platforms. Software platforms are systems that perform multiple functions for the user or business that might previously have been spread over multiple programs. For example, a Retail Management System combines point of sale, accounting, and employee management into one unified platform.

Technology