platform

This word can mean different things. It may mean a set of infrastructure on which someone can build an IoTThe Internet of Things. A broad term covering many different applications where "things"  are interconnected through the internet. device or serviceWe are used to purchasing products outright. "Services" is a new concept where you may or may not buy the product, but optional or mandatory services come with the product. Those services may have an ongoing cost separate from the purchase price.. Or it could be a generic piece of hardwareIn this context, "hardware" refers to functions in an IoT device that are built into a silicon chip or some other dedicated component. It's distinct from "software," which refers to instructions running on a processor. that can be used for many different things.