It's been frequently asked: Is the Digital Twin Pakistan a system or a platform? To provide a comprehensive answer, let's first delve into the nuances of what a system and a platform represent.
What is a System?
A system embodies a network of interconnected components, all working in harmony to achieve a designated goal. It's the collective interaction and integration of these parts that give rise to unique system properties, which are significantly more valuable than their individual contributions. To understand this better, consider biological systems (such as the human body), computer systems, or societal structures (like businesses or governments).
What is a Platform?
Conversely, a platform acts as a base or groundwork, enabling others to construct or utilize it for their specific needs. It offers a suite of services, tools, or technologies that other entities can exploit to develop their products, services, or solutions. Platforms often play the role of a mediator, facilitating exchanges between various parties. For instance, Facebook, a social media platform, lets users interact, share content, and even establish businesses.
A system typically signifies a self-sustaining entity with a defined purpose, while a platform serves as a catalyst, furnishing the infrastructure for others to function. However, these terms aren't mutually exclusive - a platform can be regarded as a system with its interconnected components, and a system, especially in digital realms, may act as a platform for other systems or applications. The context, therefore, plays a vital role in determining the exact usage of these terms.
The Digital Twin Pakistan
The Digital Twin Pakistan is a platform in the context of its digital services available to all platform users. It enables micro businesses to get conceived and started rapidly. It provides core infrastructure services like identity, payment, escrow, reputation, funding and commerce. In this context it is a platform. It is also a system as it works together with its underlying components providing reliable and scalable services to applications, individuals and businesses.