Platform vs. Application: Choosing the Right Software Solution for Your Business
In this blog:
Picking the right software is more than a technical decision; it’s a strategic one that shapes how your business runs, grows, and connects with people.
Platforms and software applications both deliver value, but in different ways: a platform builds an ecosystem that grows with your business, while an app is usually designed to solve one clear problem for users.
“The best technology decisions come from understanding the problem first, not the tool,” David Hudson, Big Human’s Director of Engineering, said. “Once you know the challenge you’re solving, you can pick a solution that fits your team and your users.”
In this article, we’ll unpack what sets platforms and applications apart, share common use cases, and help you figure out the best solution for your business.
What is a Platform?
A platform is the foundation or ecosystem that enables other products, services, or users to build, run, and connect on top of it. Instead of solving just one problem, it brings together various applications, workflows, and specific tasks in an integrated, standalone environment. Platforms are scalable, flexible, and built to grow with plugins and application programming interfaces (APIs).
Think of a platform as your business’s operating system. It drives multiple apps, streamlines processes, and optimizes workflows, creating a network that connects participants (e.g., buyers and sellers or creators and consumers). iOS and Android serve as platforms for mobile apps, Shopify powers merchants, and AWS and Google Cloud host and support software applications.
What is an Application?
If a platform is the foundation, an application (or app) is the specific software built to perform a specific function or solve a specific problem for end users. Apps are focused and purpose-built.
Most mobile and web apps run on top of platforms (like Instagram running on iOS and Android), while others work independently. Either way, software applications are the visible, hands-on tools that your customers interact with every day; they’re designed to be user-friendly and have a core, singular focus.
Key Differences Between Platforms and Applications
Platforms and applications often work together, but they play different roles in your tech stack.
“A platform is multiple software products coming together for a single purpose, while an application solves just one specific problem,” David explained. “One gives you a foundation to build on, the other gets the job done.”
As an analogy, a platform is like a shopping mall. It provides the space, utilities, and crowd. The individual stores (apps) bring their products and services. An application is like a coffee shop inside the mall. It serves a clear purpose — selling coffee — while relying on the mall's infrastructure.
Knowing the difference between a platform and an app helps you make smarter decisions and invest in the right solution for your business. Here’s a quick breakdown of their key characteristics.
Scope & Purpose
Platform: Your platform is the foundation of your digital ecosystem, hosting multiple applications, workflows, and integrations. Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud are all platforms.
Application: An app tackles a specific task or problem, like WhatsApp or an eCommerce mobile app.
Growth & Flexibility
Platform: A platform scales with APIs, plugins, and integrations, connecting workflows and automating processes across your business.
Application: It evolves through updates and new features, improving usability and delivering value where it matters most.
User Experience
Platform: It works behind the scenes, powering your mobile and web apps and streamlining internal processes.
Application: An app is what your team and customers use every day — the hands-on tools that get things done.
When to Choose a Platform vs. an Application
Choosing between a platform and a software application is both a technical and strategic decision. Your choice depends on your business goals, the scope of the problem you’re solving, and how quickly you need to move.
Start with an application when you need to:
Solve a specific problem quickly without adding complexity
Launch an MVP to test an idea or validate demand.
Keep costs and application development time down while gathering feedback.
Consider a platform when you want to:
Integrate multiple tools and workflows into one ecosystem.
Scale your solution to support growth and new features.
Automate processes and connect apps for a smoother user experience.
Platform vs. Application: What to Watch Out For
It’s tempting to try to build a “do it all” platform, but that approach can backfire.
“Most businesses trip up by going too big too early,” David said.
Launching a massive, all-in-one platform too soon can lead to:
Higher costs and longer timelines
Confusing user experiences
Missed opportunities to learn from real user behavior
Instead, David explained that a lot of companies will want to start with a targeted application to solve the core problem, then expand it into a platform as users and needs grow.
The takeaway: Start specific, think long-term. While a full platform might be tempting, consider launching an app first to get moving quickly and learn from users. Then, evolve into a platform as your digital ecosystem demands it. This approach saves time, reduces costs, and sets you up for scalable, sustainable growth.
If you need a hand with your platform or software application, we’d love to help. Reach out, and let’s build something together.
FAQs
Are apps considered platforms?
How do platforms and applications work together in software development?
