A basic platform is a platform that serves as the foundation for a product or service (in this example, a game console) that assumes the existence of a complementary product (in this example, game software), such as the relationship between a game console and game software. It’s a business model. Here, the products and services that form the basis of this platform are referred to as “platform products.” This business model has two characteristics: Product functionality is achieved by “using” complementary products and platform products together. Customers can purchase platform products and complementary products from different providers To be more specific, a foundational platform can be described as “a product that serves as a foundation that, when combined with various complementary products, realizes the functionality desired by customers.” For example, in the case of game consoles, customer needs can only be met when they are combined with game software.
In any case, given the structure of the business model, it is important to grasp the “most important foundation” for realizing customer needs for a certain product. Incidentally, at first glance, the relationship between the “razor itself” and “replacement blades” appears to be that of a basic platform and complementary products, but both are provided by the “same company,” and basically they are not provided by the customer. It is not a foundational platform because there is no choice.
In order to properly understand foundational platforms, it is important to note that many products that serve as foundational platforms also function as intermediary platforms. As mentioned above, game consoles are basic platforms that use game software as a complementary product, but they also have the intermediary function of mediating communication between users, such as in online competitive games. The important point is that by providing these intermediary functions, the value of the platform as an infrastructure platform will also increase.
Source: ITmedia
https://www.itmedia.co.jp/business/articles/2403/19/news003.html
