History of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a reality. We live in the era of cloud computing - a system that offers us flexibility, cost reduction, and access to resources on a global level. However, how did we get here? Let us tell you everything you need to know about the history of cloud computing.
We have seen many evolutions of physical data storage systems: from floppy disks to Zip drives, from CDs (and DVDs) to USB drives, etc. This might make us think that the cloud is a recent technology, but as we will see, the history of cloud computing dates back to the early 1960s.
The History of Cloud Computing: Origins
As technology evolved, the idea of cloud computing gradually advanced. There were few breakthroughs before the early 1960s. It was at this time that computer scientist J.C.R. Licklider had the idea of creating an interconnected system of computers.
Thus, after several years of development and work, a system called ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) was created. Licklider planned to create it with the help of Bob Taylor and Larry Roberts. The project was presented in 1969.
Technologies develop more slowly than ideas themselves. Licklider's idea of cloud computing emerged before the means to develop it existed.
ARPANET is known as the predecessor of the Internet, so its influence on the development of the history of cloud computing is obvious. Essentially, it was the first network that allowed sharing of digital resources located in different physical places across different computers.
Licklider also envisioned a world where everyone would be connected to the network. The development of cloud computing originates from this vision: the idea that every person would be able to access programs and data from anywhere in the world.
ARPANET
The idea of ARPANET, which as mentioned above is one of the first computer networks, was first proposed by Leonard Kleinrock in the article "Information Flow in Large Communication Nets."
In this article, key to the brief history of cloud computing, the theorist discussed computer networks that interact with each other and could be used for remote work from anywhere.
Technological Development and Cloud Computing Becomes Reality
Between the 1970s and 1990s, there was great technological progress in the area of the Internet and cloud computing. For example, in 1972 IBM developed the first virtual machine.
Years later, in the 90s, several telecommunications companies developed their own versions of virtual private networks (VPNs). It was in this decade that a key milestone in the history of cloud computing occurred, as the term 'cloud computing' became established in the mid-nineties.
Admittedly, there is some debate regarding the origin of the term, but it is known that by 1996 'cloud' computing was a growing and developing technology, both for companies and educational institutions. Universities mainly used remote and connected storage and tools.
In the early years of the 21st century, technological systems related to Internet networks underwent great development. These advances greatly facilitated the history of cloud computing development to the level we are at today.
History of Cloud Computing: What Lies Ahead?
Cloud computing creates new opportunities for both companies and all those interested in working in this field. We have explored the history of cloud computing and its development over the years, but what lies ahead?
Cloud computing allows companies to be more flexible with their workflows. Additionally, this technology enables us to work anytime and anywhere. Either because we can access the data we need, or because we can have and use tools directly from the cloud.
Cloud computing provides the infrastructure, software and platforms necessary to succeed in modern business, no matter where they are needed.
However, as their presence becomes more widespread, the demand for specialized qualified professionals grows. Professionals capable of competently managing these networks and contributing to the improvement of business processes.