Platform vs Schema

Understanding the difference between AIDP Platform and AIDP Schema.

AIDP Schema (Open Standard)

What it is: An open, community-governed specification for representing local business data optimized for AI platforms.

Think of it as: "schema.org for AI discovery"

Key characteristics:

• ✅ Open standard (MIT License)

• ✅ Community-governed

• ✅ Standard-agnostic

• ✅ Free to implement

• ✅ No vendor lock-in

Who uses it:

• AI platforms (Claude, ChatGPT, Perplexity)

• Business software (POS, CRM, booking systems)

• Tourism boards and directories

• Independent developers

Documentation: AIDP Schema Overview

AIDP Platform (Reference Implementation)

What it is: A two-sided marketplace that implements AIDP Schema, connecting businesses with AI assistants and consumers.

Think of it as: The first and reference implementation of the standard

Key characteristics:

• ✅ Implements AIDP Schema

• ✅ Hosted service (SaaS)

• ✅ Business owner dashboard

• ✅ Analytics and insights

• ✅ Subscription plans

Who uses it:

• Local businesses wanting AI visibility

• Consumers discovering businesses via AI

• Developers testing AIDP integrations

Documentation: Getting Started

Comparison

Platform vs Schema Comparison

Aspect	AIDP Schema	AIDP Platform
Type	Open standard	SaaS platform
Cost	Free	Freemium
Governance	Community	Company
Implementation	Anyone can build	Hosted service
Purpose	Define data format	Provide marketplace
License	MIT	Proprietary

Analogy

Think of it like HTTP and Apache:

• AIDP Schema = HTTP protocol (open standard anyone can implement)

• AIDP Platform = Apache web server (one implementation of the standard)

Just as many web servers implement HTTP (Apache, Nginx, IIS), many platforms can implement AIDP Schema.

Use Cases

Use AIDP Schema If You Want To:

• Build your own business discovery platform

• Add AIDP support to existing software

• Create a regional business directory

• Integrate AI discovery into your app

• Contribute to the open standard

View schema documentation →

Use AIDP Platform If You Want To:

• Get your business discovered by AI assistants

• Access hosted infrastructure

• Use pre-built analytics dashboards

• Avoid building/maintaining servers

• Get started quickly

Sign up for AIDP Platform →

Can I Use Both?

Yes! Many scenarios involve both:

Example 1: Business Software Company

• Implement AIDP Schema in your POS system

• Let customers export to AIDP Platform

• Or host your own AIDP-compliant service

Example 2: Tourism Board

• Use AIDP Schema for your directory

• Sync data with AIDP Platform for wider reach

• Maintain control of your data

Example 3: Developer

• Build tools using AIDP Schema

• Test with AIDP Platform API

• Deploy your own implementation

Getting Started

I Want to Use the Standard

1. Read the AIDP Schema specification

2. Review migration guides

3. Use validation libraries

4. Join the community

I Want to Use the Platform

1. Sign up for an account

2. Follow the quick start guide

3. Create your business profile

4. Monitor your analytics

Questions?

• 💬 GitHub Discussions: github.com/aidp/platform/discussions

• 📧 Email: [e-mail]

• 📚 Docs: docs.aidp.dev

Next Steps

• What is AIDP?

• Quick Start Guide

• Key Concepts