platform

/ˈplætfɔːm/ noun [C]

Definition

› IT a particular computer technology that can be used with some types of software programs but not with others: Companies are creating standard platforms to collect and process massive amounts of data.a computer/technology/software platform CIM systems are the technology platform of this organization.

› COMMUNICATIONS a method of communication or entertainment, for example television, radio, or the internet: We are currently selling advertisements across several different platforms - web, internet phones, and multiple sections of the newspaper.

› COMMUNICATIONS a particular technology that is used for broadcasting television or radio programmes: The club has now set up its own television channel, aiming to launch a paid-for service on an existing broadcast platform before the year's end.

› a set of actions or ideas that forms the basis for future development: a platform for sth Every euro spent on marketing and market development will provide a platform for long-term growth and profits.a strong/solid/sound platform The board believes that the group has a strong platform on which to grow.

› POLITICS a set of ideas and plans that a politician or party promises to act on if elected: on a platform He won a decisive victory on a platform of economic reform.

→ See also cross-platform, oil platform, trading platform

(Definition of platform noun from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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