Digital platform economy
Platformization could well be called the franchising model of the 2020s, as it is the ultimate way to connect supply with demand. It allows you to scale your business by using a shared digital solution that brings together different players to solve similar business challenges and to seize new, interesting opportunities. If you are planning to create something akin to Amazon, Wolt, or Airbnb for your domain, you are definitely thinking about venturing into the digital platform economy!
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Dive in
The digital platform economy is on fire! While each business domain has its own digital needs, companies operating in the same sphere have begun to realize that they are dealing with identical challenges. Many are already on top of this opportunity, weighing the pros and cons of platform business. The race to "own" the domain, or to be the first to introduce game-changing digital assets, is on!

Digital platform economy is growing and expanding
Digital platforms have proven to be a win-win equation for the platform providers and the ecosystem members. As the cost of custom-made software can be high, the opportunities of a shared digital platform are enticing. As long as the platform does not dilute or compromize the competitive advantage of its members, ready-made digital tools and marketplaces can be the winning solution.
Change drivers
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Digitalization affects all players and there is a huge market for all kinds of digital tools.
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Companies can assume a leading position in their domain or chain-linked business by providing digital tools that connect and benefit all players.
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Investments into digital tools are significant; turning custom software designs into platform products can create significant ROI.
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Platforms generate huge amounts of data, that can in itself be an asset to its members and owners.
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Software experts, like Vincit, have established ways to create platforms without them being high-risk ventures.
What makes an ecosystem thrive?
All digital platforms rely on the positive dynamics within the ecosystem and success is directly related to the experiences of the members involved in it. Each platform has a unique business model, different operating principles, a distinctive clientele and ecosystem as well as different ties to the brick-and-mortar world. Success in this field requires smooth onboarding, continued value creation and practical operational tools for everybody.
Transaction platforms create connections
By connecting otherwise independent ecosystem members with one another and with relevant products, services, tools, materials and content, different types of digital marketplaces are gaining traction. This applies to almost all domains from sports to heavy industry. The marketplaces can be two-sided or multi-sided, offering possibilities for all kinds of value exchange, usually enabling the buying and selling of goods and services.
Well known examples include Etsy, Wolt, and Über. Some of our customers, like Superoperator, Suomisportti and Moovy, also fall into this category.
Innovation platforms catalyze creativity
While lowering barrier for entry and expediting time-to-market, innovation platforms offer tools and ready-made assets for digital creators. Companies looking to boost innovation and attract a healthy developer/digital creator ecosystem often provide guidelines and standards as well as access to digital components.
Major technology companies are investing in innovation ecosystems. Apple iOS, Android and Microsoft are excellent examples. They have opened up the tools and the arena to ecosystem members, and thus managed to grow value for the end users.
Any professional tool can be turned into a platform
There is almost no limit to platformization, if you think about white-label, customizable SaaS services as platforms. Virtually any digital tool created for business use can be modified to be sold on to be utilized by other companies.
For example, we routinely consult companies on the platformization of mobile field apps for experts as well as tailor-made web services that support business operations in highly specialized domains. Companies investing in custom software, can find interesting business possibilities in platformization.
Let's develop your business smartly with digital platforms
We are experts in creating the critical links between platform business models, ecosystem support structures and technical platform development.
For us, creating a platform is an excercise in systemic design and smart roadmapping. Often, platforms are top heavy in terms of funding, making it super important to design for a fast return on investment and to ensure that the roadmap and rollout plans support key performance indicators.

Ensuring positive network effects and scaling
Everything starts with understanding how the platform makes sense in terms of business: what are the ecosystem members willing to contribute and what kind of concrete value will they receive? Platform transactions can come in many forms, and do not always involve money. Transaction fees or subscription models are definitely not the only, or the best, solution for all platforms. The first step is to find a win-win value creation model.
Making a smart rollout plan & roadmap
The rollout plan will be unique for each platform and includes considerations, such as which ecosystem members to onboard first, what content needs to be in place first, and what markets to approach first. There are many variables to consider. The first release is always critical, which is why we pay a lot of attention to scoping and roadmapping.
Figuring out the support function requirements
Going into a platform business will require new internal activities within the company. These may include marketing, sales, training, customer support, and administration. Companies also often need to plan how to deal with specific customer requirements or customization requests.
Learning about your ecosystem and platform performance
All new business ideas are initially built on assumptions. In order to validate your idea, your platform needs to have built-in data collection and analysis capabilities. The smartest digital tools are actively evolved over time, based on performance data.
Here's how we can help you succeed
Websites and desktop applications
Simply providing an online service is no longer enough. You have to make sure that your e-service delivers an excellent user experience. A thoughtfully designed and carefully developed website or desktop application ensures customer loyalty and provides a competitive edge.
Mobile applications
Mobile applications should only exist to make the user's life easier. They are also a powerful tool for your business, if you succeed in fulfilling that primary goal. A truly helpful mobile app, always within reach, means customers can reach out to your business anytime they feel the urge.
Data & analytics
Often the journey to efficient data use in business is a long one. The path depends on the starting situation – whether the technology and processes are in place and the level of ambition the company has for utilizing data – internal process optimization or future forecasting, for example.
Business design and transformation support
The world is changing, but change doesn't happen on its own. People make it happen through decisions, words, and actions. Now, more than ever, companies are in a position to take charge of that change. Use the momentum and reinvent your business for the better: transform toward future sustainability
Agile development
In tomorrow’s competitive landscape, your business must be agile and ready to adapt to the ever-changing market situations. New digital trends will emerge. Customer expectations will continue to shift and change. Your success relies on your ability to react fast to whatever happens. Everything needs to be agile, from your offering to your processes and the development of your new digital services.
Continious services & DevOps
Your digital investments pay back only when they are maintained well. By bridging software development and IT operations, your services and applications gain a prolonged and more productive lifecycle.
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