A platform is a structural or organizational base on which processes or products can be built. The original connected platform is the internet itself containing operating systems such as Windows or software such as Java and social networks such as Facebook. Connected platform is the framework structure on which companies build their production, development or process flows. Through Platform as a Service offerings, companies can provide connectivity and digitization to other companies. Their processes become IoT-capable. Also data exchange is possible. Such networking platforms can bring companies the benefits of cloud computing, automatic data transfer between machines or process optimization through data analysis without complex own IT-infrastructure. Platforms allow companies to focus on their core competences while still utilizing market standards and new technologies.