Many companies conflate having an API with being a "true platform."
Additionally, we are all witnessing the pussification of the word platform. It used describe something that was more fundamental, more plumbing and infrastructure that others used to build separate and often wholly distinct businesses (i.e. Farmville on the Facebook Platform). But the new watered down platform is any web app with an API that allows mixing Nyan Cats with Foursquare and raising $42MM.
Most web apps should provide an API. Almost none of those will become platforms. So be it.
Additionally, we are all witnessing the pussification of the word platform. It used describe something that was more fundamental, more plumbing and infrastructure that others used to build separate and often wholly distinct businesses (i.e. Farmville on the Facebook Platform). But the new watered down platform is any web app with an API that allows mixing Nyan Cats with Foursquare and raising $42MM.
Most web apps should provide an API. Almost none of those will become platforms. So be it.