by
Nick Srnicek
[...] the important element is that the capitalist class owns the platform, not necessarily that it produces a physical product [...]
- ad platforms (Google, FB) that analyse user data to sell ad space
- cloud platforms (AWS, Salesforce) that own the hardware and software and charge subscription fees based on usage
- industrial platforms (GE, Siemens), for making manufacturing more internet-connected and thus more efficient (and cheaper)
- product platforms (Rolls Royce, Spotify) turning traditional goods into service, collecting rents/subscription fees
- lean platforms (Uber, Airbnb) that don't own any assets
(Amazon fits basically all of the categories, with its different products)