Towards a paradigm change in computer science and software engineering: a synthesis

In this paper, we identify and analyse a set of characteristics that increasingly distinguish today's complex software systems from ‘‘traditional” ones. Several examples in different areas show that these characteristics are not limited to a few application domains but are widespread. Then, we discuss how these characteristics are likely to impact dramatically on the very way software systems are modelled and engineered. In particular, we appear to be on the edge of a radical shift of paradigm, which is about to change our very attitudes in software systems modelling and engineering.