Definition[]
A paradigm shift is a change from one way of thinking to another. The term was coined by Thomas Kuhn in his book "The Structure of Scientific Revolution" (1962).
Computer industry[]
There have been five paradigm shifts in the computer industry:
- Batch (1960s) — Data processing is performed by corporations and government users on mainframe computers by batch processing.
- Time Sharing (1970s) — Computers are shared by many subscribers (time-sharing).
- Desktop (1980s) — Computers become productivity tools for individuals.
- Network (1990s) — Computers are used by groups of people who access a network remotely.
- Wireless (2000s) — Computer networks are shared wirelessly.