platformmatrix

Platformmatrix is a term used in software development and product management to describe a structured representation of supported platforms and their capabilities. It typically takes the form of a matrix that maps platform configurations (such as operating system, browser, hardware, or runtime environment) against features, APIs, performance targets, security controls, and compatibility constraints.

A platform matrix is usually organized with dimensions that may include platform family (mobile, desktop, web, server, cloud), versioning (OS, browser, framework), hardware architecture, localization, and deployment context. The corresponding cells document which features are supported, which APIs are available, any limitations, and required dependencies for a given platform combination. This approach provides a living reference that informs planning, testing, release management, and risk assessment.

Purpose and usage: The matrix helps teams determine the scope of supported configurations, identify gaps before release, and coordinate cross-functional activities across product, engineering, QA, and operations. It supports decision-making about deprecations, feature flags, and migration paths, and it can guide test strategy by highlighting prioritized platform-test pairs. Matrices are commonly maintained in spreadsheets, wikis, or databases and can be integrated with CI/CD processes and issue-tracking workflows to reflect current deployment capabilities.

Variants and related concepts: Related constructs include compatibility matrices, API matrices, feature matrices, and compliance matrices. A platform matrix may be specialized per product line or customer segment and can evolve into a portfolio of matrices for broader governance.

See also: matrix, platform engineering, product roadmap, test matrix, compatibility matrix.