(2007-09-17) Andreessen Platform Types

Marc Andreessen categorizes the internet Platform-s.

• Type1: API/MashUp (you can't really write custom code)

• Type2: FaceBook (you can write really custom code, but you have to deploy it yourself)

• Type3: Ning, SalesforceCom, Second Life, Amazon Web Services?, Akamai?

I believe that in the long run, all credible large-scale Internet companies will provide Level 3 platforms. Those that don't won't be competitive with those that do, because those that do will give their users the ability to so easily customize and program as to unleash supernovas of creativity.

Update: Some interesting comments from Jon Udell.

Update: Albert Wenger is more irritated by the lack of development Platform that makes things easier for Scaling Out, supporting a Web App Pattern Language, etc.