Customer Data Platform
A Customer Data Platform (CDP) is a software system that collects, unifies, and organizes customer data from multiple sources into a single, centralized customer profile. It enables businesses to create a comprehensive, 360-degree view of each customer by integrating data from online and offline touchpoints, such as websites, mobile apps, CRM systems, and transactional databases. CDPs are designed to support marketing, sales, and customer service teams in delivering personalized experiences and targeted campaigns.
Developers should learn and use CDPs when building or integrating systems for customer-centric applications, such as e-commerce platforms, marketing automation tools, or personalized recommendation engines. They are essential in scenarios requiring real-time data synchronization, customer segmentation, and omnichannel engagement, as CDPs provide the foundational data layer for these functionalities. This is particularly valuable in industries like retail, finance, and SaaS, where understanding customer behavior drives business decisions.