Platform vs. Infrastructure — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 26, 2024
Platform focuses on providing software or hardware environments for developing, running applications, or services, while Infrastructure refers to the physical and virtual resources supporting the entire IT environment.
Difference Between Platform and Infrastructure
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Platforms offer an environment for the development and execution of applications, emphasizing tools, software, and services integration. They provide a layer of abstraction over infrastructure, simplifying development processes by managing underlying complexities. Infrastructure, on the other hand, comprises the essential physical and virtual components necessary for an IT ecosystem's operation. This includes hardware such as servers and storage devices, as well as software like operating systems and network management tools.
Platforms typically offer higher-level services and functionalities, such as development tools, databases, and application hosting capabilities, aimed at streamlining the creation and management of applications. They abstract the underlying infrastructure, allowing developers to focus more on building and optimizing their applications without worrying about hardware or lower-level software management.
Infrastructure focuses on the provisioning and management of computational resources and services at a fundamental level. It is concerned with aspects such as computing power, data storage, and networking capabilities. While platforms provide a layer of abstraction over these elements, infrastructure deals with the physical and virtual resources that make such abstractions possible.
The relationship between platforms and infrastructure is inherently complementary. Platforms rely on the robust, scalable, and secure infrastructure to function effectively, whereas the existence of advanced infrastructure enables the development of more sophisticated and efficient platforms. This synergy is crucial for the development of innovative technologies and the efficient operation of digital services.
Comparison Chart
Definition
An environment for developing and running applications.
Physical and virtual resources supporting the IT ecosystem.
ADVERTISEMENT
Focus
Simplifying development and application management.
Ensuring reliability, performance, and scalability.
Components
Development tools, databases, application hosting services.
Servers, storage, network devices, software.
User Interaction
Primarily developers and end-users.
IT professionals and system administrators.
Example
Cloud computing platforms like AWS or Google Cloud.
Data centers, networking hardware, virtual servers.
Compare with Definitions
Platform
A hosting service for software applications.
The company migrated its services to a new cloud platform for better scalability.
Infrastructure
The physical hardware used in IT environments.
Upgrading the infrastructure improved the network's speed and reliability.
Platform
A web-based environment that hosts applications and services.
The e-commerce platform manages all online sales activities.
Infrastructure
Virtual resources and services in cloud computing.
The cloud infrastructure allows for flexible resource allocation and scalability.
Platform
A digital service framework for creating software applications.
Developers use the platform to build and deploy applications efficiently.
Infrastructure
Networking components connecting computers and devices.
The upgraded infrastructure includes faster routers and switches.
Platform
An operating system serving as a base for software operation.
The latest version of the platform introduces several security enhancements.
Infrastructure
Storage solutions for data management and backup.
The company's infrastructure was enhanced with additional data storage capacities.
Platform
A development toolkit providing resources for app creation.
The platform includes an integrated development environment and libraries.
Infrastructure
The foundational systems supporting an organization's technology.
Investing in robust infrastructure is essential for data security.
Platform
A raised level surface on which people or things can stand
There are viewing platforms where visitors may gape at the chasm
Infrastructure
Infrastructure is the set of fundamental facilities and systems that support the sustainable functionality of households and firms. Serving a country, city, or other area, including the services and facilities necessary for its economy to function.
Platform
The declared policy of a political party or group
Seeking election on a platform of low taxes
Infrastructure
An underlying base or foundation especially for an organization or system.
Platform
A shoe with very thick soles
Yellow platform shoes
A pair of chunky platforms
Infrastructure
The basic facilities, services, and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society, such as transportation and communications systems, water and power lines, and public institutions including schools, post offices, and prisons.
Platform
A horizontal surface raised above the level of the adjacent area, as a stage for public speaking or a landing alongside railroad tracks.
Infrastructure
(systems theory) An underlying base or foundation especially for an organization or system.
Common Language Infrastructure
The parasitic tyranny's infrastructure depends on secrecy in order to be effective.
Platform
A vessel, such as a submarine or an aircraft carrier, from which weapons can be deployed.
Infrastructure
The basic facilities, services and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society.
Platform
An oil platform.
Infrastructure
The basic structure or features of a system or organization
Platform
A place, means, or opportunity for public expression of opinion
A journal that served as a platform for radical views.
Infrastructure
The stock of basic facilities and capital equipment needed for the functioning of a country or area;
The industrial base of Japan
Platform
A vestibule at the end of a railway car.
Platform
A formal declaration of the principles on which a group, such as a political party, makes its appeal to the public.
Platform
A thick layer, as of leather or cork, between the inner and outer soles of a shoe, giving added height.
Platform
A shoe having such a construction.
Platform
(Computers) The basic technology of a computer system's hardware and software that defines how a computer is operated and determines what other kinds of software can be used.
Platform
A flat elevated portion of ground.
Platform
The ancient, stable, interior layer of a continental craton composed of igneous or metamorphic rocks covered by a thin layer of sedimentary rock.
Platform
A raised stage from which speeches are made and on which musical and other performances are made.
Platform
A raised floor for any purpose, e.g. for workmen during construction, or formerly for military cannon.
Platform
(figurative) A place or an opportunity to express one's opinion.
This new talk show will give a platform to everyday men and women.
Platform
(figurative) Something that allows an enterprise to advance.
Platform
A political stance on a broad set of issues, which are called planks.
Platform
(rail) A raised structure from which passengers can enter or leave a train, metro etc.
Island platform
Platform
Ellipsis of platform shoea kind of high shoe with an extra layer between the inner and outer soles.
Platform
(Internet) digital platform: a software system used to provide online services to clients, such as social media, e-commerce, cloud computing etc.
Platform
(computing) computing platform: a particular type of operating system or environment such as a database or other specific software, and/or a particular type of computer or microprocessor, used to describe a particular environment for running other software.
That program runs on the X Window System platform.
Platform
(automotive) car platform: a set of components shared by several vehicle models.
Platform
(geology) A flat expanse of rock, often the result of wave erosion.
Platform
(nautical) A light deck, usually placed in a section of the hold or over the floor of the magazine.
Platform
(obsolete) A plan; a sketch; a model; a pattern.
Platform
(Myanmar) sidewalk
Platform
(transitive) To furnish with or shape into a platform
Platform
(transitive) To place on, or as if on, a platform.
Platform
(rail) To place a train alongside a station platform.
Platform
To include in a political platform
Platform
(transitive) To publish or make visible; to provide a platform for (a topic etc.).
Platform
To open (a film) in a small number of theaters before a broader release in order to generate enthusiasm.
Platform
To form a plan of; to model; to lay out.
Platform
A plat; a plan; a sketch; a model; a pattern. Used also figuratively.
Platform
A place laid out after a model.
Lf the platform just reflects the order.
Platform
Any flat or horizontal surface; especially, one that is raised above some particular level, as a framework of timber or boards horizontally joined so as to form a roof, or a raised floor, or portion of a floor; a landing; a dais; a stage, for speakers, performers, or workmen; a standing place.
Platform
A declaration of the principles upon which a person, a sect, or a party proposes to stand; a declared policy or system; as, the Saybrook platform; a political platform.
Platform
A light deck, usually placed in a section of the hold or over the floor of the magazine. See Orlop.
Platform
To place on a platform.
Platform
To form a plan of; to model; to lay out.
Church discipline is platformed in the Bible.
Platform
A raised horizontal surface;
The speaker mounted the platform
Platform
A document stating the aims and principles of a political party;
Their candidate simply ignored the party platform
They won the election even though they offered no positive program
Platform
The combination of a particular computer and a particular operating system
Platform
Any military structure or vehicle bearing weapons
Platform
A woman's shoe with a very high thick sole
Common Curiosities
How does infrastructure support IT operations?
Infrastructure supports IT operations by providing the necessary physical and virtual resources, such as computing power, storage, and networking capabilities, essential for the functioning of IT ecosystems.
What are examples of IT infrastructure?
Examples include servers, data centers, network routers, and cloud computing resources.
What is a platform in IT?
A platform in IT refers to a digital environment that provides a foundation for developing, running, and managing applications, emphasizing ease of use and integration of various services.
What distinguishes a platform from an application?
A platform provides an environment for developing and running applications, whereas an application is a software program designed to perform specific tasks for users.
What is virtual infrastructure?
Virtual infrastructure refers to the virtualized components of an IT environment, such as virtual servers, storage, and networks, created using software to simulate physical resources.
What makes a good platform for development?
A good platform for development offers a robust set of tools, a user-friendly environment, comprehensive documentation, and support for multiple programming languages and frameworks.
Can platforms exist without infrastructure?
No, platforms cannot exist without infrastructure, as they rely on the underlying physical and virtual resources to operate and provide their services.
How do platforms and infrastructure interrelate in cloud computing?
In cloud computing, platforms and infrastructure interrelate by providing different levels of service: infrastructure lays the groundwork with physical and virtual resources, while platforms offer environments built on top of this infrastructure for application development and deployment.
How do platforms benefit developers?
Platforms benefit developers by simplifying application development and management, providing integrated tools, services, and a standardized environment for building and deploying applications.
Can infrastructure include software?
Yes, infrastructure includes both hardware and software components, such as operating systems, virtualization software, and management tools.
How does infrastructure impact application performance?
Infrastructure directly impacts application performance by providing the necessary computational power, storage, and networking capabilities required for optimal operation and user experience.
Is cloud computing considered a platform or infrastructure?
Cloud computing can be both, depending on the context: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offers cloud-based infrastructure, while Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides cloud-based platforms for development and deployment.
What role does infrastructure play in cybersecurity?
Infrastructure plays a critical role in cybersecurity by ensuring the security of physical and virtual resources, implementing protective measures, and providing a secure foundation for IT operations and services.
Why is scalability important for infrastructure?
Scalability is crucial for infrastructure to accommodate growing demands, allowing for the expansion of resources without compromising performance or reliability.
What are the challenges of managing IT infrastructure?
Challenges include ensuring high availability, scalability, security, and cost-efficiency while adapting to technological advancements and meeting organizational demands.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Walk vs. Walking
Next Comparison
Nave vs. AisleAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
