Browser cookies were born out of the desire to implement shopping carts online. Prior to the advent of cookies, web sites did not have features that allowed for session-based interactions between a client user and the server.

Cookies are not programs.  Rather, they work in a similar fashion as how music programs use mp3’s.  The file of a cookie is little more than a set of identification codes and tags for things like which user is accessing the website, what level of security clearance is required for a current session (i.e. should this user be required to log-in again or should secure browsing be used), and other pieces of information necessary for keeping a website in the same state it was as the last time it was used.  A browser will make cookies on a per-website basis.

Cookies are saved on a user’s computer and are typically given a designated, short lifespan.  Though there has been legislation passed in the way of requiring user clarity to a web site’s cookie policies, most cookies do not serve as tools for data mining being that they are saved on a user’s computer and not on servers that are property of the web site.

A Network Effect occurs when separate entities conglomerate to provide for a much larger, singular purpose that involves several individual aspects that essentially become planks of the platform. An example of this provided in the reading would be the creation of the highway system, a physical platform, due to the increase of car sales. This ultimately leads to the transportation of products being done through 18-wheelers and mail trucks, a result of the networking created by mass car purchasing.

The Network Effect also allows for platforms to become exponentially more popular as they become more popular. It vastly increases their rates. This is why Facebook added their second million users with far more ease than their first million. In a way, it creates a standard which is the new jumping point for the platform as they increase their networking by adding more planks.

A plank is a product, service, or community that integrates with the existing platform. In Amazon’s case, its planks would be the community of vendors and consumers, along with the actual service of selling products, as well as the products themselves.

Platforms fall into one of three categories. A “physical” platform can be a train station, airport, or highway. Basically it is a physical means of allowing people to connect in person.

A “technological” platform would include cell phones, landlines and the Internet. It is a medium through which people can connect without their actual presence being required.

Finally, a “media” platform comes in the form of radio, television, or newspapers. It provides for viewers/readers to consume content presented by advertisers, entertainment groups, etc. This can also include politicians, and the issues which they stand for or against. A politician’s “platform” is basically their campaign.

Amazon would be considered a technological platform because it is connecting sellers to buyers via the internet, whether it actually comes from Amazon’s inventory or if Amazon is acting as a middle man between private/public sellers seeking a means to showcase their wares. Amazon would also be considered a platform because it incorporates “planks”.

The specific “planks” being the service of selling items, the items themselves, and the consumers and vendors respectively. Not only this, but Amazon is connected to other platforms, such as Google, Facebook, and Apple. This is also part of the definition of a platform, is that it works with other platforms to connect its users in a more lucrative and engaging fashion. This creates exponential popularity.