Aweissman - Latest Comments in I Want To Be A Platform

Re: I Want To Be A Platform

aweissman — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:52:03 -0000

it tried to be a platform before it had its app utility down

Re: I Want To Be A Platform

aarondelcohen — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:49:49 -0000

what happened to switchabit?

Re: I Want To Be A Platform

Jamie Beckland — Mon, 17 May 2010 01:45:06 -0000

This is a tight argument; the challenge, of course, in execution. First, in creating a service that has a broad enough userbase. Then, finding the right moment to evolve in a way that brings customers along for the ride. I'd add Facebook into your list of services that have converted to platforms. There will be a space for social media management platforms to become true social CMS platforms in the next 12-18 months too.

Re: I Want To Be A Platform

BmoreWire — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:47:28 -0000

I liked switchabit

Re: I Want To Be A Platform

ADstruc — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:28:15 -0000

Really a great post here, Andrew. In the end, it might come down to a platform becoming a brand and that brand being able to extend...maybe into other product features or on a bigger scale, other industries.

I'd love to get our application/platform in your hands in the next few weeks - we are building the first online marketplace for outdoor advertising. We expect to go beta in the next 2 months.

Thanks!

John
www.adstruc.com

Re: I Want To Be A Platform

David Semeria — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:35:21 -0000

Up to a point. You wouldn't market a Lego set without at least mentioning that the bricks can be used to build other things...

Re: I Want To Be A Platform

Amol Sarva — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:25:57 -0000

very true for gadgets too (as you guys discuss re: ipod and iphone in comments) -- for gadget startup people like us me (founder of peek) you can think of Tivo (now its successors are set top boxes? internet streaming platforms). but consider some works in progress like flip (still just the core thing - video camera) or peek (still a messaging handheld)

part of what drives this for gadgets and software is - it's hard to get users. once you have them, might as well extend the capabilities through new apps and/or ecosystem and/or accessories

Re: I Want To Be A Platform

aweissman — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:37:00 -0000

fruity pebbles is NOT an app. Cocoa Puffs, however, are.

Re: I Want To Be A Platform

aweissman — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:36:36 -0000

right!

Re: I Want To Be A Platform

kortina — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:07:31 -0000

Or was it an ipod that also had calling capabilities ;)

Re: I Want To Be A Platform

howardlindzon — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:54:58 -0000

is sugar cereal a platform....thats what I am hooked on. Is lucky charms and fruity pebbles an app?

Re: I Want To Be A Platform

aweissman — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:31:46 -0000

I think the iphone was an application - that app being a phone.

Re: I Want To Be A Platform

aweissman — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:31:25 -0000

I really think the tipping is when you know you just know - cannot plan it b/c you dont know the use of your application until it is used. it just happens.

Re: I Want To Be A Platform

dremoran — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:26:29 -0000

So well said. Plus the word "platform" is drastically overused by startups describing themselves.

Would you consider the iphone to be one of those exceptions - a product that from inception was a platform?

Re: I Want To Be A Platform

reece — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:08:47 -0000

Great point and advice. I'm part of a team that has built an application, but we're starting to think we can become a platform, based on the content we're aggregating and the potential metadata around it.

Perhaps you can write another post or two about the tipping point (from application to platform - what signifies it? the first outside application built on your platform?) and how to get there (obviously publishing an API, but what are other best practices to encourage outside developers?).