What is a web platform and how is it different from a website?
Web platform design It means building a complete software that runs in the browser and users do things with it, not just read information. The website is an introduction tool; The platform is the work tool. Online booking systems, enterprise management panels, accounting and CRM software, online training systems, and SaaS products are all examples of web-based platforms.
Web platforms do not require installation, can be accessed from any device, and are updated centrally for all users. For this reason, today most of the enterprise software are developed on the web instead of the installed versions.
Why proprietary software instead of ready software?
Off-the-shelf software is built for the general needs of the market and usually the business has to adapt its processes to them. Proprietary software is the opposite; It is built exactly according to the way you work.
Full compliance with processes: No additional features and no annoying shortcomings.
Full ownership: You don't have an annual license fee and you don't depend on the decisions of another company.
Integrity: Connecting to your current site, accounting, payment gateway, SMS and other systems.
Competitive advantage: A tool that your competitors do not have and cannot be copied.
What kind of platforms do we design?
SaaS platforms
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a model where users use the software by paying a subscription. SaaS design requires multi-tenant architecture, subscription and payment system, management of access levels and high scalability; We design this infrastructure right from the beginning so that your product is ready for growth.
Enterprise management systems (ERP and CRM)
A customer relationship management system (CRM) for tracking leads, sales, and after-sales service, and an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for managing inventory, production, purchasing, and resources are two examples of the most widely used proprietary software that gathers dispersed processes into an integrated system.
Management dashboards and reports
Dashboards that transform scattered business data into understandable charts and indicators so managers can make decisions based on data, not guesswork.
Real-time capabilities
Online chat, instant notifications, simultaneous editing and live data updates are implemented with technologies such as WebSocket so that users always see the latest information without refreshing the screen.
Integration with APIs
Connecting the platform to payment gateways, SMS services, accounting software, government systems and even Artificial intelligence models via API.
Technical architecture of Netanik platforms
A platform's architecture determines how the system will behave the day its users multiply tenfold. Depending on the size and needs of the project, we use integrated modular architecture or microservices architecture. In microservices architecture, each part of the system is developed and scaled independently, and the failure of one part does not bring down the entire system. Our stack includes Next.js, React, TypeScript, Node.js and PostgreSQL databases.
Stages of platform design and development
1. Business analysis and requirements documentation
Current processes, user roles and actual needs are documented; This is the most important stage of the project.
2. Architectural design and user experience
The data structure, system architecture and user workflows are designed.
3. Agile development
Development is done in two-week sprints, and after each sprint, you receive a usable part of the system.
4. Testing, deployment and data migration
The test system is completed, the previous data is transferred and deployed on the cloud infrastructure. Platform security with principles Cyber security And if needed Penetration testing It is guaranteed.
SaaS web platform design; From idea to product
Many entrepreneurs have an idea for a shareware but don't know where to start. Web platform design In the SaaS format, it starts with a few key decisions: the revenue model (monthly, annual or consumption-based subscription), the structure of user accounts and teams, subscription levels and features of each, and how to separate the data of different customers. A mistake in these decisions has a heavy cost for change in the future.
Our recommendation for SaaS products is to build a focused initial version (MVP) with one core issue; A version that can be quickly delivered to real customers, get feedback and determine the direction of development based on the data.
Technical characteristics of a professional web platform
Scalability: The ability to respond to the growth of the number of users and data without slowing down.
Security and detailed access control: Every user has access to exactly what they need.
Reliability: Backup, monitoring and fast recovery in case of problems.
Documented API: The possibility of connecting other software and mobile applications to the platform.
Simple user experience: Enterprise software can also be beautiful and easy; Users who are satisfied with the system use it.
Maintainability: Clean code, automated tests, and documentation to make future development fast and cost-effective.
Many of these principles are known in the methodology Twelve-Factor App They are summarized for building scalable web applications that are the basis of our team's work in web platform design.
Examples of platforms that businesses need
Reservation and appointment systems: For clinics, schools, clubs and services.
Online education platforms: Management of courses, students, exams and payment.
Portal of customers and agents: Order registration, tracking and receiving documents for the sales network.
Market polices: Multi-seller platforms with settlement and commission management.
Project and operation management systems: For contracting, distribution and service companies.
Migration from the old system to the new platform
Many organizations have worked for years with legacy software, Excel files, or a combination of several scattered tools. Migrating to a new platform should be done without stopping work and without losing data. In Netanik web platform design projects, previous data is purged and migrated, the two systems run in parallel for some time if needed, and users are trained before a full migration. The result is a controlled and shock-free transition to the organization.
Platform and artificial intelligence
Today's platforms with the addition of intelligent features such as semantic search, intelligent user assistant, data analysis and Automation of processes, they create much more value. The architecture of our platforms is ready to add these features from the beginning.
Frequently asked questions about web platform design
How long does it take to build a SaaS platform?
A full SaaS platform usually takes between 4 and 6 months. An early version with key features (MVP) is ready early so you can gauge the market early.
Is the platform slowing down as users grow?
Not if the architecture is designed right from the start. Scalability is one of the main requirements of our design, and the system is built in such a way that its resources can be increased according to growth.
Who owns the platform code?
All source code and intellectual property of the project will be completely transferred to you.
Is it possible to connect to our current software?
yes If your current software has an API or data exchange capability, the connection and integration is done.
What is the difference between designing a web platform and a store website?
A store website is a well-known model for selling products; The web platform is designed for your specific business processes and usually has more complex user roles, workflows and logic.
Does the platform have a mobile version?
All platforms are responsive and work well on mobile. if needed, Mobile application It is made exclusively with the same backend.