I’ve been reading The Age of the Platform: How Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google Have Redefined Business (affiliate link), which is about how “the Gang of Four”, Apple, Amazon, Facebook & Google, have successfully built platforms which allow them to leverage new products and technologies in ways not previously possible. When we look at an amazing successful product, say Apple’s iphone, we recognize it’s sleek and intuitive design, but it’s also the platform of the App Store which has allowed Apple to provide more applications than they could develop, while profiting from the increased value that having those applications provides.  In his book, Phil Simon, discusses each of the four companies, and also talks about ways to build platforms to help your company succeed.  Here’s an excerpt from the Introduction of the book: [Read more...]