The term third platform refers to the third model of computing platform. It is defined by IDC - the creators of the term - as the combination and interdependency between mobile computing, social media, cloud computing, big data/analytics and possibly the Internet of Things. This combination is also referred to in the term SMAC which is an acronym standing for social, mobile, analytics and cloud computing. These technologies are widely recognized as an integrated set of solutions that define the current paradigm in computing.