# 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](https://amistan.gitbook.io/aidp-docs/aidp-schema-open-standard/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](https://amistan.gitbook.io/aidp-docs/getting-started/quick-start)

## Comparison

![Platform vs Schema Comparison](https://2687700396-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FF8uzz8ItUjkBw81bmpg0%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-9fb6ecca267d0bbeb29f8b2c46e6fdaa6a0d58af%2Fplatform-vs-schema.svg?alt=media)

| 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 →](https://amistan.gitbook.io/aidp-docs/aidp-schema-open-standard/overview)

### 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 →](https://platform.aidp.dev)

## 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](https://amistan.gitbook.io/aidp-docs/aidp-schema-open-standard/core-specification)
2. Review [migration guides](https://amistan.gitbook.io/aidp-docs/aidp-schema-open-standard/migrations)
3. Use [validation libraries](https://amistan.gitbook.io/aidp-docs/aidp-schema-open-standard/validation)
4. Join the [community](https://amistan.gitbook.io/aidp-docs/resources/community)

### I Want to Use the Platform

1. [Sign up](https://platform.aidp.dev) for an account
2. Follow the [quick start guide](https://amistan.gitbook.io/aidp-docs/getting-started/quick-start)
3. Create your [business profile](https://amistan.gitbook.io/aidp-docs/for-business-owners/getting-started)
4. Monitor your [analytics](https://amistan.gitbook.io/aidp-docs/for-business-owners/analytics)

## Questions?

* 💬 **GitHub Discussions**: [github.com/aidp/platform/discussions](https://github.com/aidp/platform/discussions)
* 📧 **Email**: <support@aidp.dev>
* 📚 **Docs**: [docs.aidp.dev](https://docs.aidp.dev)

## Next Steps

* [What is AIDP?](https://amistan.gitbook.io/aidp-docs/getting-started/what-is-aidp)
* [Quick Start Guide](https://amistan.gitbook.io/aidp-docs/getting-started/quick-start)
* [Key Concepts](https://amistan.gitbook.io/aidp-docs/getting-started/key-concepts)