Application Platform

Intro

An Application Platform combines hardware, operating systems, middleware, and services that host applications. In EA, platform definitions standardise deployment, integration, and lifecycle management.

Key points:

• Provides a consistent foundation for application hosting
• Enables governance over versions, dependencies, and support
• Common use cases: standard platform stacks, integration middleware, cloud landing zones, container platforms, runtime services
• Pitfall: unmanaged platform sprawl increases cost and risk

Examples:

• Java application platform with OS, JVM, and middleware
• Cloud PaaS platform providing managed runtime and services
• Container platform standardising deployment and networking

In practice:

With OrbusInfinity, teams link this concept across strategy, processes, applications, and technology for traceability.

Related terms: Application; Middleware; Application Platform Interface

FAQs:

Q: Why standardise application platforms?
A: To reduce duplication, improve reliability, and simplify operations.

Q: What belongs in a platform definition?
A: OS, runtime, middleware, services, and version/patch policies.

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