Businesses and corporations utilize cloud computing for several reasons. From storage to networking and processing power, it can save companies from needing to hire their own in-house IT teams and investing in expensive computing infrastructure.
But, despite its extensive use, not a lot of professionals are knowledgeable about the history of cloud computing technology. If you’re curious about how it all began, you’re in the right place. Here’s what you need to know about its early stages.
Cloud Computing: A Technology From The Distant Past
The idea for cloud computing can actually be traced back to the 1950s. Because computers were so expensive during this period, multiple users shared computing power. It’s similar to the concept of “time-sharing” a vacation rental, but, in this case, with computer technology.
By 1955, John McCarthy, who coined the term “artificial intelligence,” also developed and implemented the idea of time-sharing computing power.
Back in those days, owning a computer was cost-prohibitive. Organizations would buy one or two computers that were connected to several stations, since they didn’t have their own computing power. These setups would then operate a sort of “time-sharing” in the central processing station. This was the first premise for what is known today as “cloud computing.”
A Slow Start
Prior to the 1960s, there was little improvement in the field. However, by the middle of the 1960s, J.C.R Licklider developed the idea for interconnected computers. Larry Roberts and Bob Taylor progressed this idea and developed the “Advanced Research Project Agency Network,” also known as ARPANET. To keep things simple, ARPANET is the predecessor of today’s Internet.
With ARPANET, it’s now possible to share digital resources from all over the world, even though the computers are not in the same geographic location. Of course, computing power is one of these digital resources.
During the 1970s to 1990s, cloud computing technology made leaps and bounds. For example, IBM published an operating system called “Virtual Machine.” Such software is the original platform for almost all cloud computing technologies we enjoy today. In the 1990s, many telecommunications companies also began to offer more privatized networks.
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Into the Future
During recent decades, internet speeds seem to be the hindrance of cloud computing adoption. Slow internet speeds cause longer data transmission before it can be processed. And then, sending it back would also mean more lost time.
But in recent years internet speeds have multiplied many times over. Based on this trend, it will only continue to improve in the future. Really, it’s no wonder that cloud computing is becoming an everyday word, thanks to high-speed connections that have paved the way for its increased adoption.
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Wrapping it All Up
The idea behind cloud computing can trace its roots back to the 1950s. One of the reasons the Internet was first developed was due to the need to share computing power and other digital resources. In the future, cloud computing is expected to be fully adopted, thanks to ever-increasing speeds.
If you’re interested in learning more about cloud computing and how it can benefit you and your business, our team at 1+1 Technology is ready to help. Feel free to reach out at 925.406.3881 for more information!
