Based on the storage and processing technologies employed, it is possible to distinguish four distinct phases of IT development: pre-mechanical (3000 BC – 1450 AD), mechanical (1450–1840), electromechanical (1840–1940), and electronic (1940–present).
Baseándose na tecnoloxía de almacenamento e procesamento empregada, é posible distinguir catro eras do desenvolvemento das TI: pre-mecánica (3000 a. C.-1450 d. C.), mecánica (1450-1840), electromecánica (1840-1940) e electrónica (dende 1940).