What Is the Tech Stack?

A Tech Stack is the collection of technologies that powers modern websites, applications, and digital businesses. Whether developing software, launching SaaS, or deploying cloud solutions, understanding tech stacks is important for building technology platforms. In this blogpost, learn about tech stack layers, vendor examples, and why choosing the right stack matters for businesses.

Four Core Tech Stack Layers

A tech stack is organized into four major layers. Each layer serves a distinct function and builds on the foundation below:

• Infrastructure: The backbone of digital operations, including cloud services, networking, and data centers.
• Hardware: All physical devices—servers, routers, edge computers, IoT devices—enabling computation & connectivity.
• Platforms: Software environments like operating systems, middleware, and databases that manage applications and data.
• Applications: End-user software such as web apps, mobile apps, analytics dashboards, & productivity suites.

 Tech Stack Examples & Major Vendors

Explore practical examples for each layer with industry-leading vendors and their stock ticker symbols:

Tech Stack Layer	Examples	Typical Vendors
Infrastructure	Amazon AWS, Heroku, Cloudflare, Kubernetes clusters, Google Cloud	Amazon Web Services (AMZN), Google Cloud (GOOGL), Microsoft Azure (MSFT), Cloudflare (NET), DigitalOcean (DOCN)
Hardware	GPU servers, IoT sensors, workstations, routers	Dell (DELL), Cisco (CSCO), IBM (IBM), NVIDIA (NVDA), Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Lenovo (0992.HK)
Platforms	Linux OS, Windows OS, Oracle DB, PostgreSQL, Docker, SaaS/PaaS platforms	Microsoft (MSFT), Oracle (ORCL), Red Hat (IBM), Docker (private), Salesforce (CRM), MongoDB Inc. (MDB)
Applications	Salesforce, Bloomberg Terminal, TradingView, SentimenTrader, web apps	Salesforce (CRM), Bloomberg (private), Microsoft (MSFT), Intuit (INTU), Adobe (ADBE), SAP (SAP)

 

Why Tech Stacks Matter

• Scalability: The right blend of cloud infrastructure and platforms lets organizations scale quickly and cost-efficiently.
• Security: Major vendors provide robust compliance, security protocols, and backups, supporting resilience and reliability.
• Innovation: Flexible stacks foster faster development and enhanced user experiences through advanced applications and integrations.
• Efficiency: Optimized tech stacks can save time and resources by combining proven hardware and centralized platforms.

How Tech Stack Choices Shape Business Success

Choosing an optimal tech stack forms the foundation of business innovation, growth, and competitiveness. By selecting suitable infrastructure, hardware, platforms, and applications, and partnering with reputable vendors, organizations can achieve digital transformation, operational excellence, and future readiness.

References

Nebius Group N.V. (2025, April 30). Form 20-F Annual Report. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1513845/000155837025005991/nbis-20241231x20f.htm

CoreWeave, Inc. (2025, March 12). Form S-1/A Registration Statement. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1769628/000119312525052207/d899798ds1a.htm

MDPI. (2022, January 26). A Comprehensive Review of Internet of Things: Technology Stack, Middlewares, and Fog/Edge Computing Interface. Sensors, 22(3), 995. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/22/3/995

arXiv. (2023, November 14). DLAS: An Exploration and Assessment of the Deep Learning Acceleration Stack. arXiv preprint arXiv:2311.08909. https://arxiv.org/abs/2311.08909