Progress in the area of computer architectures - as observes since the 1960ies - will continue at a similar rate in the future. A doubling of relevant performance parameters every 18-24 months - according to the generalized Moore law - will characterize the future development as well. Mastering this complexity requires a new paradigm, which is more oriented towards fulfilling human needs than just implementing everything that is technically possible. Computers (and computerized systems) should adapt to humans and to the current situation, not vice versa.

Adaptivity and self-organization are the key capabilities of future complex computers and computerized systems. Large numbers of autonomous subsystems will try permanently to achieve an optimization goal as prescribed by the human user. The ability of cooperation with other subsystems (and with humans) plays a central role. Such computer systems will have properties, which make them look lifelike - or "organic".

Organic computing systems consist of autonomous and cooperating subsystems, they function - as far as possible - self-organizing. Self-organization is based on adaptive and context-sensitive behavior. Organic Computing (OC) systems have so called self-x properties like:

• Self-configuration
• Self-optimization
• Self-protection
• Self-explanation
• Self-healing
• Self-describing

The Organic Computing Initiative has a versatile and appealing history of workshops, conferences, and announcements which leads to its establishment! Below, you will find the link to milestones of OC, dating back to the foundation of the initiative in 2003.

Click here to learn more about OC milestones!

Please note: Next to the mentioned milestones, there has been a lot of activity in the community. For an overview of most recent endeavors originating from the OC Initiative, please visit https://lifelikecs.organic-computing.de/!