SpeCifiCComputer hardware, as in the phrase "platform-independent". It may also refer to a speCifiCCombination of hardware and operating system and/or Compiler, as in "this program has been ported to several platforms". It is also used to refer to support software for a partiCular aCtivity, as in "This program provides a platform for researCh into routing protoCols". (1994-12-07)