--- title: "About Ignition's Modular Architecture" --- # About Ignition's Modular Architecture > Ignition platform has a modular architecture. Modules are software applications that are built and integrated into the platform to offer additional functionality. The modules are similar to applications for a smartphone in how they are seamlessly integrated and provide additional capabilities. Most of the main features of Ignition are actually provided by different modules such as the [Vision](getting-started/ignition-modules/core-modules/vision-module.md) and [SQL Bridge](getting-started/ignition-modules/core-modules/sql-bridge-module.md) modules. ## Ignition Software Stack Looking at the Ignition software stack below, you can see that the HMI/SCADA/MES module layers are built on the Ignition platform. Here are the different software layers in Ignition's modular architecture: - **OS Layer – the Operating System Layer** - Provides basic computing resources such as the file system and access to the network. - **Platform Layer** - Provides all the basic functionalities such as connecting to devices and databases, licensing, launching clients, managing all Ignition modules over the web, and more. - **HMI/SCADA Module Layer** - Provides the core modules that enable real-time and historical data access, trends, and control - **Third-Party Module Layer** - Additional modules provided by Strategic Partners and other developers to further extend Ignition's capabilities. - **User Created Application Layer** - The resulting project created for your organization. Developed internally, or by a third-party. ![" "](https://www.docs.inductiveautomation.com/docs/7.9/assets/images/IgnitionSoftwareStack_Expanded-2d3fda0a695e91e2e9378c204fb32d2b.png) ## Steve Hechtman Blog Click the link below to see the blog: [Why your SCADA system should be more like your smart phone](http://computingwithoutboundaries.blogspot.com/2014/05/why-your-scada-system-should-be-more_2116.html)