We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Simon Allardice

Technology “platforms” are everywhere, but often poorly understood. In this course, get clear on the most important ideas, explore how they add value to an organization, evaluate different types of platform, and cover the current marketplace.

Read more

Technology “platforms” are everywhere, but often poorly understood. In this course, get clear on the most important ideas, explore how they add value to an organization, evaluate different types of platform, and cover the current marketplace.

Whatever your role, you need to understand the core ideas, tools and technologies every organization relies on. Most of us already use various technology “platforms”, but they’re often poorly understood. In this course, we’ll quickly get clear on what “platforms” are, and how they can help. First, we’ll cover the basic characteristics you should expect of any platform. We’ll then dive into multiple types of platforms — including software platforms, development and infrastructure platforms. Finally, we’ll talk about evaluating platforms, including recognizing risks. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have a much better understanding of how platforms can accelerate abilities and add massive value to your team or organization.

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

We found an offer that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

What's inside

Syllabus

Platforms Explained

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for learners of all levels, provides a solid foundation for understanding technology platforms
Led by industry expert Simon Allardice, offering valuable insights from real-world experience
Covers essential concepts, including characteristics, types, and evaluation of platforms
Emphasizes the practical applications of platform technology in organizational settings
May require additional research for specific platform implementations
Assumes basic familiarity with technology concepts

Save this course

Save Platforms Explained to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Platforms Explained with these activities:
Brush up on web application security concepts
By reviewing fundamental security principles, you will have better context for upcoming lessons.
Browse courses on OWASP Top 10
Show steps
  • Review OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities
  • Read articles or watch videos on web application security best practices
Join a study group or participate in online discussions
Engaging with peers can provide diverse perspectives and deepen your understanding.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or online discussion forum related to platforms
  • Participate actively in discussions, sharing your insights and asking questions
Complete a tutorial on building a simple web platform
Hands-on practice will help you solidify your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Choose a tutorial that aligns with your skill level and interests
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step, implementing the code yourself
  • Test and debug your platform to ensure it functions as expected
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Design a platform architecture for a specific business use case
This project will challenge you to apply the concepts you learn to a real-world scenario.
Browse courses on Business Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify a specific business use case and its requirements
  • Research and analyze different platform architectures
  • Design a platform architecture that meets the business requirements
  • Document your design, including diagrams and descriptions
Write a blog post or article on a platform-related topic
Sharing your knowledge through writing will reinforce your understanding and contribute to the community.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic related to platforms that aligns with your interests and expertise
  • Research and gather information from reliable sources
  • Write a well-structured and informative blog post or article
  • Publish your content on a platform or website
Contribute to an open-source platform project
Hands-on involvement in open-source projects will enhance your practical skills and connect you with the community.
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source platform project that aligns with your interests
  • Contribute to the project by fixing bugs, adding features, or improving documentation
  • Collaborate with other contributors and seek feedback
Mentor a junior developer or student interested in platforms
Teaching and guiding others will reinforce your knowledge and foster community growth.
Show steps
  • Identify a mentee who is eager to learn about platforms
  • Provide guidance and support on platform-related topics
  • Answer questions, share resources, and encourage their growth

Career center

Learners who complete Platforms Explained will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Platform Engineer
Platform Engineers play a critical role in building, maintaining, and scaling platforms to support an organization's digital strategy. The course Platforms Explained offers valuable insights into the core concepts, types, evaluation techniques, and risks associated with platforms, empowering Platform Engineers to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of platforms, Platform Engineers can enhance platform performance, reliability, and scalability, contributing directly to the success of the organization's digital endeavors.
Software Architect
Software Architects design and oversee the construction of software systems, ensuring their alignment with business objectives. The course Platforms Explained can significantly benefit Software Architects by providing a comprehensive understanding of platforms, their types, characteristics, evaluation criteria, and risks. This knowledge enables Software Architects to make well-informed decisions regarding platform selection and integration, leading to the design and implementation of robust, scalable, and maintainable software solutions.
Cloud Architect
Cloud Architects design, build, and manage cloud computing solutions to meet an organization's IT needs. The course Platforms Explained offers valuable insights into platform concepts, types, evaluation techniques, and risks, providing a solid foundation for Cloud Architects to make informed decisions when selecting and implementing cloud-based platforms. By understanding platform fundamentals, Cloud Architects can create cost-effective, scalable, and secure cloud solutions that align with the organization's strategic objectives.
Data Architect
Data Architects design and build the data management infrastructure that supports an organization's data needs. The course Platforms Explained can be beneficial for Data Architects by enhancing their understanding of platforms, particularly data platforms. This course covers the characteristics, types, evaluation, and risks associated with platforms, empowering Data Architects to make informed decisions when selecting and implementing data platforms. With a deep understanding of platform capabilities and limitations, Data Architects can design and implement robust, scalable, and secure data management solutions.
Technical Program Manager
Technical Program Managers oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of technology projects. The course Platforms Explained can be beneficial for Technical Program Managers by providing a comprehensive understanding of platforms, their types, evaluation techniques, and risks. This knowledge enables Technical Program Managers to effectively manage projects involving platform selection, integration, and implementation. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of platforms, Technical Program Managers can mitigate risks, ensure project success, and deliver valuable technology solutions for the organization.
IT Manager
IT Managers oversee the planning, implementation, and management of an organization's IT infrastructure and services. The course Platforms Explained can provide IT Managers with a solid understanding of platforms, their types, characteristics, evaluation criteria, and risks. This knowledge enables IT Managers to make informed decisions regarding platform adoption, integration, and management. By understanding platform fundamentals, IT Managers can optimize IT infrastructure, reduce costs, and improve service delivery, contributing to the overall success of the organization.
CTO
CTOs are responsible for overseeing the technological direction and innovation within an organization. The course Platforms Explained can be beneficial for CTOs by providing a comprehensive understanding of platforms, their types, characteristics, evaluation criteria, and risks. This knowledge enables CTOs to make informed decisions regarding platform adoption, integration, and management. By understanding platform fundamentals, CTOs can identify and leverage emerging technologies, drive innovation, and gain a competitive advantage for the organization.
CIO
CIOs are responsible for leading an organization's IT strategy and vision. The course Platforms Explained can be beneficial for CIOs by providing a comprehensive overview of platforms, their types, evaluation techniques, and risks. This knowledge empowers CIOs to make informed decisions regarding platform adoption, integration, and management. By understanding platform fundamentals, CIOs can align IT strategy with business objectives, drive innovation, and leverage technology to gain a competitive advantage.
Product Manager
For Product Managers, where a fundamental understanding of technology platforms can add great value, this course on Platforms Explained may be useful. Product Managers with mastery of platform thinking can play a critical role in identifying and evaluating potential platforms that align with the company's strategic objectives. This course covers the characteristics, types, evaluation, and risks associated with platforms, empowering Product Managers to make informed decisions and enhance the success of their products.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain software systems to meet an organization's business needs. The course Platforms Explained can be beneficial for Systems Analysts by providing a comprehensive understanding of platforms, their types, characteristics, evaluation criteria, and risks. This knowledge enables Systems Analysts to make informed decisions regarding platform selection and implementation. By understanding platform fundamentals, Systems Analysts can design and implement robust, scalable, and maintainable software solutions that meet the organization's requirements.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. The course Platforms Explained may be useful for Software Engineers who want to gain a deeper understanding of platform technologies. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of platforms, Software Engineers can optimize software performance, scalability, and reliability. This course covers the characteristics, types, evaluation, and risks associated with platforms, providing Software Engineers with a comprehensive foundation for working with platform technologies.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists analyze and interpret data to extract insights and inform decision-making. The course Platforms Explained may be useful for Data Scientists who work with platform technologies for data storage, processing, and analysis. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of platforms, Data Scientists can optimize data pipelines, improve data quality, and enhance the accuracy of analytical models. This course covers the characteristics, types, evaluation, and risks associated with platforms, providing Data Scientists with a foundation for working effectively with platform technologies in the field of data science.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts bridge the gap between business and IT, analyzing business needs and translating them into technical requirements. The course Platforms Explained may be useful for Business Analysts who work with platform technologies to support business processes and workflows. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of platforms, Business Analysts can better assess platform capabilities, evaluate their alignment with business objectives, and design effective solutions that leverage platform technologies. This course covers the characteristics, types, evaluation, and risks associated with platforms, providing Business Analysts with a foundation for working effectively with platform technologies in the field of business analysis.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and deliver projects to achieve specific goals. The course Platforms Explained may be useful for Project Managers who work on projects involving platform technologies. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of platforms, Project Managers can better assess platform capabilities, evaluate their impact on project scope, and manage project risks associated with platform adoption and integration. This course covers the characteristics, types, evaluation, and risks associated with platforms, providing Project Managers with a foundation for working effectively with platform technologies in the field of project management.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Platforms Explained.
Provides a comprehensive overview of platform businesses, including their history, evolution, and impact on the economy. It also offers practical advice on how to start and grow a platform business.
Provides a framework for understanding why large companies often fail to innovate. It discusses the challenges of disruptive innovation and offers advice on how to overcome them.
Provides a practical guide to building a successful startup. It covers everything from customer development to product development, and includes case studies of successful startups.
Provides a unique perspective on startups. It discusses the importance of creating a monopoly and offers advice on how to build a successful company.
Provides a practical guide to acquiring customers for your startup. It covers everything from marketing to sales, and includes case studies of successful startups.
Provides a framework for understanding the challenges of marketing and selling technology products to mainstream customers. It discusses the different stages of the technology adoption lifecycle and offers advice on how to overcome them.
Provides a collection of case studies of successful startups. It discusses the marketing strategies that these startups used to achieve success.
This classic book of military strategy provides a number of insights that can be applied to business. It discusses the importance of planning, deception, and timing.
Provides a framework for personal and professional development. It discusses the importance of habits, principles, and relationships.
Provides a practical guide to platform design and development. It covers topics such as platform architecture, governance, and monetization. It is particularly useful for product managers and engineers who are responsible for building and managing platform products.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser