Definition of Platform
A computing Platform is a type of hardware and/or software where application programs may run. Operating Systems are Platforms, as are different types of computing hardware. Special-purpose Platforms include Routers, Remote Access Servers and database servers.
A Platform is frequently associated with its own Credentials database.
A Platform (as it relates to Identity Management (IdM)) is a type of managed system. There are many possible types of platforms, including:
- Network operating systems: Windows NT, Windows 2000, Novell NetWare, etc.
- Directories: LDAP, x.500, etc.
- Host operating systems: MVS/OS390/zOS, OS400, OpenVMS, Tandem, Unisys, etc.
- Groupware and e-mail systems: MS Exchange, Lotus Notes, Novell GroupWise, etc.
- Applications: SAP R/3, PeopleSoft, Oracle Applications, etc.
- Database servers: Oracle, Sybase, MSSQL, Informix, DB2/UDB, etc.