Platform vs. application: Key differences explained

Enterprise applications are delivered in a three-tier architecture:

• The presentation tier is provided by a browser.
• The application tier contains the business logic that supports the application’s core functions.
• The data tier provides access to the data the application needs.

Applications run locally on a server or computer system and on the cloud, when they are part of software as a service or a subscription. They use application programming interfaces (APIs) to talk to other applications.

Applications have many functions, from complex database systems and deployment tools to. word processors and image editors.

The characteristics of modern applications

Simply put, modern software is flexible and scalable. It is created with methods that break down barriers between IT and line-of-business teams. The result is software that is created more quickly and that can be iterated daily. This means applications can evolve to meet rapidly changing end-user needs.

Modern applications typically have these characteristics:

• Agility: They are built using modular architecture for easy changes. This ensures the application can be quickly adapted or updated as business needs change.
• Scalability: The design automatically handles massive growth in users and data volumes.
• Seamless Integration: They connect with any existing system via open APIs and connectors enabling you to integrate new applications with legacy systems or add new functionality to older applications.
• User-Centric Experience: Applications deliver interaction across all channels and devices, increasing user satisfaction and adoption.
• Security: Security measures are trusted and embedded from development to deployment, protecting your most important assets without adding technical debt.

Software-as-a-service is becoming the dominant delivery model. Software is hosted on the cloud and accessed remotely by users. This means businesses don’t have to invest in hardware. It also ensures that software updates are seamless.

Examples of modern apps

From basic tasks to complex operations, apps enable various use cases:

• Customer service portal: A web app for self-service support and issue tracking.
• Mobile banking app: An application for users to manage finances and transfers on the go.
• Inventory management system: A desktop or web application used to track stock levels and logistics in a warehouse.
• Project management tool: A collaborative application that manages tasks, timelines, and team workloads for complex projects.
• Human resources portal: An internal web app where employees request time off and access payroll information.

An application platform is the foundation on which applications run, consisting of hardware, an operating system (OS), and coordinating programs that use the instruction set for a particular processor or microprocessor. In this case, the platform creates a foundation that ensures object code executes successfully. A platform can also be built upon and connected with external systems.

This means that any smartphone is a platform because it includes hardware, an operating system, connects with other systems, and can host applications.

Among the most popular types of platforms are:

• Operating systems, which manage a computer's or mobile device’s hardware and software resources, providing common services for applications.
• Data platforms, which enable an organization to collect, store, manage, process, and analyze data at scale, integrating various data tools and capabilities into a single end-to-end environment.
• AI platforms, which provide tools and services to build, train, and deploy artificial intelligence models.
• Application development platforms, including low-code platforms, which provide integrated tools, frameworks, and services to streamline the entire software development lifecycle, from building to deployment and management. Low-code platforms offer a visual environment for development for faster builds of custom apps and core systems.

Of these examples, modern application platforms are among the most popular. The reason for this can be found in their characteristics.

Characteristics of modern application development platforms

A modern platform gives organizations the core capabilities they need to build, run, and evolve enterprise-grade applications with speed and confidence:

• Agility: In the case of low-code platforms, a visual, model-driven approach abstracts complexity, enabling apps to adapt quickly to business needs without creating technical debt.
• Scale and performance: Designed for mission-critical workloads, the platform automatically manages scale, performance, and reliability to support any user volume. Scale and performance: Designed for mission-critical workloads, the platform automatically manages scale, performance, and reliability to support any user volume.
• Security and compliance: Enterprise-grade security and centralized governance are built in, keeping applications safe and compliant from development through production.
• Integration and extensibility: With pre-built connectors, open APIs, and extensibility options, the platform makes it easy to connect with existing systems and data sources.

Take, for example, a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). This is a type of software application. It is used to store, manage, query, and retrieve business data stored in a relational database. RDBMSs communicate with CRM and ERP systems. So, although RDBMSs are applications, they also function as platforms.

Another example is Netflix, which is both an application and a video streaming platform.

Key differences between application development platforms and applications

Think of the platform as the end-to-end foundation to build the application, and the application as the user-centric solution to address a specific organizational or customer challenge.

The role of platforms in software development

Developers have choices to make. They can:

• Develop software to be platform-specific: the application is developed for a single platform.
• Design their software to be cross-platform: the application works on pre-defined platforms.
• Create platform-agnostic applications: the software runs on any platform. In this case, it is usually accessed via a web browser.

Many organizations want to write software on different platforms. However, they can’t afford the costs of housing multiple platforms. So, many employ a form of cloud computing called Platform as a Service (PaaS).

Platform as a service (PaaS)

PaaS is a type of cloud computing. Gartner defines it as delivering application infrastructure from a third party to a business. PaaS is delivered over the internet and can be provider-managed or self-managed. It can also be multitenant or dedicated.

Platform as a service can enable companies to take advantage of streamlined development and new automation capabilities.

These tools are especially valuable for application development. With PaaS, developers are freed from any need for local infrastructure. This is very convenient. It also streamlines development and other internal processes that can get in the way of application development.

PaaS is a step in the right direction for the evolution of applications. No one can predict the needs of end-users five or ten years from now. PaaS creates a foundation for adaptive applications that can be rapidly changed to meet new expectations or market conditions.

If you want to learn more about the world of PaaS, take a look at our articles What Is PaaS and What Is aPaaS.

How to choose between a platform and an application

To choose between a platform and an application, consider three key factors:

• Assess project requirements: Consider the specific needs of your project. Platforms are suitable for extensive customization and scalability, while applications are better for straightforward tasks with well-defined requirements.
• Evaluate long-term goals: Consider the long-term strategy of your IT environment. Platforms provide more flexibility for future growth and changes.
• Resource availability: Assess your resources and expertise to determine whether developing on a platform or implementing an application is more feasible.

Learn the fundamentals of modern development

Platform vs application frequently asked questions