Amazon as an e-commerce Operating System

Amazon as the Operating System of e-commerce; forgive the metaphor, but I think it's apt. An Operating System is software that manages access to a computer's resources. For example, Windows, Mac OS X, Unix, and many others manage access to resources such as memory, hard disk, CPU, etc. Similarly, Amazon manages access to valuable resources for companies that want to sell online.

What resources would these be?

- Logistics (warehousing): Amazon has more than 175 logistics centres around the world. This gives it a wide distribution network to offer customers speed and efficiency in shipping. It offers sellers various types of logistics so that they can choose according to the idiosyncrasies of their company. However, those who opt for FBA (Fulfillment By Amazon) are guaranteed privileges over those who choose FBM (Fulfillment by Merchan), such as the Prime icon, increased visibility or customer service management. Both for FBA and Vendors (companies that sell their stock directly to Amazon), the products are stored in facilities that can boast of being a bastion of innovation.

- Transport: this point goes hand in hand with the previous one, as one of Amazon's obsessions is efficiency and time saving in both logistics and distribution. This commitment has been one of the fundamental ingredients for its success, allowing it to reach buyers in periods of less than 24 hours.

- Payment gateway: Amazon Pay is an online payment solution that relies on the payment details and physical address of Amazon shoppers. This reduces the payment process to two clicks, reducing the abandonment rate.

- Marketing tools to promote your products: Standing out from the competition and getting the most visible place is the dream of any seller. Amazon is working on its advertising system, implementing new formats to make an impact with different formats.

Now it comes to my mind what happened when everybody was familiar with Windows. If users were using Windows on a daily basis, on which operating system would you have developed your software? So now, where do you want to sell?