Thread Subject: Re: Platform issues - Definitions
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From: Andi Snow-Weaver
Date: Wed, Jun 27 2007 7:00 AM
Subject: Re: Platform issues - Definitions
We have this definition of "platform", proposed by Sean, simplified by
Allen, and edited per our discussion on June 20, 2007. It still has some
TBDs but was deemed to be sufficient for the draft due at the end of this
week.
<beginning of platform definition>
Platform software: A platform is a collection of software components that
runs on an underlying software or hardware layer, such that the platform
creates a virtual environment in which to run applications in a manner
which isolates the applications from the underlying layer.
* Note 1: If there is a direct route from the application to the underlying
layer then the software components in the middle are not considered to be a
"platform". For example, a program which hosts plug-in's is not a platform
if the plug-in can directly access the underlying layer.
* Note 2: An application offering a compute service, such as a 3d rendering
engine where a requesting application can directly access the underlying
layer would also not be considered a "platform".
* Note 3: A particular software component may play the role of a platform
in some situations and not in others. Platforms can include such things as
Internet browsers, operating systems, plug-ins to internet browsers or
other software applications, and under some situations, byte-code
interpreted virtual environments, and other "programming within another
programming" environments.
* TBD: Notes about bootloader programs and closed systems?
<end of platform definition>
Andi
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