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# On  Platforms and Rock Stars
- URL: https://www.philsimon.com/on-platforms-and-rock-stars/
- Published: 2011-09-29T14:23:45.000Z
- Updated: 2011-09-29T14:23:45.000Z
- Description: Top-flight talent won't stick around if they can't do cool things.
- Author: Phil Simon
- Tags: Platforms, Strategy, Amazon, Apple, Facebook/Meta, Google, The Age of the Platform

![Cycle](https://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy16/spin-arrows.gif)

No shocker here: According to [Universum](https://www.universumglobal.com/?ref=philsimon.com), a company that specializes in employer branding, Amazon and Google are extremely desirable places for in-demand developers and engineers. It's a bit strange that Facebook didn't place higher here and I was shocked not to see Amazon on the Top 50 of either list.

It's important to note the virtuous cycle here:

- Platform companies hire very talented people—and many times get out of their way.
- Which makes their platforms more powerful and visible.
- Which makes talented people want to work at platform companies.

Top-flight talent won't stick around if they can't do cool things. Platform companies understand this.