Platform Software: 10 Software Providers for Building a Platform

Platform software can be an effective solution for companies to successfully market their services or products and retain customers. However, developing a platform requires powerful and flexible software that enables the integration of various functions and provides a seamless user experience. In this article, we take a look at ten software providers specializing in platform creation. From established companies to emerging startups – here you will find a selection of platform software providers.

The Essentials at a Glance

What Is a Web Platform?

A web platform is a web-based platform that collects information from various sources within a user interface. It presents the user with the most relevant contextual information. A portal provides its user with various functions, such as personalization, navigation, and user management. In addition, it coordinates the search and presentation of information and is designed to ensure security. Today, most websites on the internet are also simultaneously portals. Common examples include travel and booking portals, learning platforms, as well as online shops. There is specialized software and plugins on the market with which online platforms can be developed, or they can be completely custom programmed from scratch.

How Does an Online Platform Work?

An online platform is a website that combines all the essential functions of a web presence. For example, it displays information about the respective company on its homepage, offers ways to get in touch, and provides the core function of the website – such as an online shop or a hotel booking portal. The platform offers a single, central interface through which users can access various websites and services without having to log in to each site separately. This makes it easier and more convenient for users to access the information and services they need.

A web platform can function in various ways. Some platforms are merely aggregated links that direct users to other websites. Others offer specialized functions and services, such as personalized homepages, email services, discussion forums, online shops, and other applications. Some portals are also interactive, allowing users to create and share their own content.

A typical online platform consists of various components that work together to provide the desired services and resources. These include, among other things:

• A Homepage: The homepage is the first page users see when they visit the platform. It usually provides an overview of the available services and resources, as well as a search function and links to other important features.
• A Navigation Menu: A navigation menu or bar allows users to quickly access different parts of the platform. The navigation can be static or change dynamically, depending on which services and resources are available.
• A Search Function: A search function is an essential component of an online platform. It allows users to quickly search for information and services of interest. A good search function should be fast and precise, supporting a variety of parameters such as keywords, categories, and dates.
• Customization Options: Some online platforms offer personalized features that allow users to create their own homepage or subscribe to certain services and resources. Personalization enables users to quickly access the content that is most relevant to them.
• Security and Data Protection: A platform on the internet should also provide security and data protection features to safeguard users’ privacy. This includes secure login procedures, encryption of data transmissions, and privacy policies.
• Analytics and Reporting: An online platform should also offer analytics and reporting functions to monitor and improve the portal’s usage. By analyzing user activities, portal operators can determine which services and resources are most utilized and identify areas for improvement.
• Integration of Third-Party Plugins and Extensions: A platform can also integrate third-party applications to provide additional services and features. These include, among other things, e-commerce systems, social media platforms, and CRM systems.

Top 10 Providers for Platform Software

In this section, we introduce the top 10 providers for creating and developing your own online or web platform and explain what sets these providers apart from one another. This will help you decide which provider best meets your expectations, desires, and requirements.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a well-known and leading provider of cloud computing services. AWS offers a wide range of tools and services that help companies develop and operate a platform. With services such as Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, and Amazon RDS, AWS provides the infrastructure and tools to build scalable and reliable platforms.

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure is another powerful platform software that companies can use. Azure offers a variety of cloud services and tools that assist in the development and operation of a platform. With Azure, companies can achieve scalability and flexibility by integrating services such as virtual machines, databases, and artificial intelligence into their platform.

Salesforce Platform

Salesforce is a leading company in the field of Customer Relationship Management (CRM). The Salesforce Platform enables companies to create and manage their own platform. With the Salesforce Platform, companies can consolidate their services, applications, and data on one platform and provide a personalized customer experience.

Shopify

Shopify is a popular e-commerce platform. With Shopify, companies can create and operate their own online shops. The platform offers a wide range of tools and features to simplify and automate the sales process. Shopify also allows the integration of third-party apps and extensions to extend platform functionality.

WordPress

WordPress is a well-known platform for creating websites and blogs. It also offers the possibility to build a platform. With WordPress, companies can create and customize their own platform to publish content, enable user interactions, and offer various services. The large developer community and the availability of themes and plugins make WordPress a flexible solution for platform development.

Drupal

Drupal is another powerful content management system (CMS) and platform software. It offers an extensive collection of modules and features that allow companies to create their own platform. Drupal enables the integration of user management, content publishing, e-commerce, and much more.

Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

The Google Cloud Platform (GCP) offers a range of cloud services and tools that help companies create and manage a platform. With services such as Google Compute Engine, Google Cloud Storage, and Google App Engine, GCP provides a scalable infrastructure and developer-friendly tools for platform development. Additionally, GCP offers advanced features like machine learning and big data analytics that can be integrated into the platform.

Red Hat OpenShift

Red Hat OpenShift is a Kubernetes-based container platform that supports companies in developing and managing platforms. With OpenShift, companies can deploy and orchestrate applications in containers, which increases flexibility and scalability. The platform also provides a variety of development and operational tools to optimize the development process.

IBM Cloud

IBM Cloud offers a comprehensive range of cloud services and solutions for platform development. With services such as IBM Watson AI, IBM Cloud Functions, and IBM Blockchain, companies can integrate advanced technologies into their platforms. IBM Cloud also provides tools and services for DevOps practices to automate and improve platform development and deployment.

Mendix

Mendix is a low-code development platform that helps companies build platforms quickly and efficiently. With Mendix, companies can develop applications using visual modeling without requiring extensive programming skills. The platform also allows the integration of backend systems and databases to create powerful and complex platforms.

Shopboostr

Shopboostr is a leading agency for developing online shops, portals, and web platforms. Based in Munich and Berlin, the agency has successfully completed over 100 projects, earning a strong reputation throughout the DACH region. Shopboostr supports you from the initial planning stages, through development, all the way to marketing and launching your platform software. We work with both ready-made solutions and custom-developed platform software. Simply get in touch with our team of experts – the initial consultation is free.

The Advantages of Web Platforms

Online platforms offer a range of benefits for both users and operators. These advantages make developing your own portal particularly attractive. The key benefits include:

• Central Hub: A platform provides a single point of access for various services and resources on the internet. Users do not need to log in to multiple websites to obtain the information and services they require.
• Personalization: A platform can offer personalized features that allow users to create their own homepage or subscribe to specific services and resources, enabling them to quickly access the most relevant content.
• Enhanced Productivity: Quick and easy access to necessary information and services can boost user productivity and help them complete tasks faster.
• Increased Efficiency: A web platform can improve the efficiency of companies and organizations by facilitating access to key information and resources and enhancing internal collaboration.
• Cost Savings: An online platform can help reduce operating costs by eliminating the need for separate systems and infrastructures.

The Drawbacks of Online Platforms

Despite the advantages of web portals, there are some drawbacks that should be considered in advance. The most significant disadvantages include:

• Complexity: Creating your own online platform can be very complex and requires extensive planning, development, and maintenance. Implementing a web portal typically demands a significant investment in resources and personnel.
• Integration Difficulties: Another disadvantage of web platforms is the integration of third-party applications. This can be complex and often requires extensive development and testing to ensure that the applications function properly.
• Data Protection: Online platforms can pose data protection risks, especially concerning the collection and storage of user data. Operators must ensure that privacy policies are clear and that user data is secure and protected.
• Dependence on a Single Provider: Users of a web platform are often dependent on one provider, which can lead to limitations and dependencies. If the provider experiences issues or discontinues the service, users may have difficulty accessing the necessary services and resources.
• Compatibility Issues: Another drawback of online platforms can be compatibility issues with various devices and browsers. Operators must ensure that their portals work on a wide range of devices and browsers to provide a consistent user experience.

Conclusion and Summary

Create Your Own Online Platform with Shopboostr

Further Articles