Redacción Tokio | 29/12/2022
Cloud computing is a reality. We live in the cloud era, a system that offers us agility, cost reductions 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 the many evolutions of physical storage systems, from floppy disks to zip drives, from CDs (and data DVDs) to USB storage drives, among others. This may 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 benefits from storage or direct work from the cloud are still being discovered today. Cloud computing does not stop evolving and growing. This means that the need for professionals specialized in this type of tools doesn’t cease to grow.
History of cloud computing: the beginnings
As technology evolved, the idea of cloud computing gradually advanced. Few breakthroughs were major until the early 1960s. It was at that time when a computer scientist named Licklider had the idea for an interconnected system of computers.
Thus, after a few years of development and work, a system called ARPANET (Advanced Research Project Agencies Network) was designed. Licklider counted for this with the help of Bob Taylor and Larry Roberts. The project was presented in 1969.
Technology advances in a more slow manner than ideas themselves. Licklider had the idea for cloud computing before we had the means to develop it.
ARPANET is known as the predecessor of the Internet, therefore its influence on the development of cloud computing history is obvious. It was in fact the first network that allowed digital sources that were not in the same physical location to be shared between computers.
Licklider also envisioned a world where everyone would be connected. The development of cloud computing originates from this vision: the idea that everyone would have the ability to access programs and data from anywhere in the world.
ARPANET
The idea of the ARPANET, which, as we have mentioned above, is one of the first computer networks, was first proposed by Leonard Kleinrock in an article entitled ‘Information Flow in Large Communication Nets.’
In this key article in the brief history of cloud computing, this theoretician speculated on computer networks that communicated with each other and that could be used to work remotely from anywhere.
Technology advances and cloud computing becomes a reality
The years between the 1970s and the 1990s saw great technological advances in terms of the Internet and cloud computing. For example, we have IBM developing the first virtual machine in 1972.
Years later, during the 90s, there were several companies dedicated to telecommunications that developed their own versions of virtualized private networks (VPN). It is in this decade when a key milestone in the history of cloud computing took place, as during the mid-nineties the term ‘cloud computing’ settled.
Licklider is the father of the cloud computing story.
Although it is true that there is some controversy regarding the origin of the term, we do know that cloud computing was already a rising and growing technology in 1996, both for companies and educational institutions. It was mainly universities who used remote and connected storage and tools.
During the first years of the 21st century, there was a great development in the technological systems related to Internet networks. These advances made it much easier for the history of cloud computing to progress to the point where we are today.
History of cloud computing: what does the future hold?
Cloud computing is creating new opportunities, both for companies and for all those who are interested in working in this discipline. We’ve seen the history of cloud computing and its evolution over the years, but what does the future hold?
Cloud computing allows companies to have greater flexibility in their work processes. Additionally, this technology allows us to work at any time and anywhere. Either because we can access the data we need or because we can have and use the tools directly from the cloud.
Cloud computing provides the infrastructure, software, and platforms necessary for success in today’s business landscape, no matter where they are needed.
However, as its presence becomes more widespread, the demand for specialized, qualified professionals increases. Experts who can manage these networks properly and help improve business processes.
Learn about cloud computing!
We’ve gone through the past, present, and future of cloud computing. We have been able to see the history of cloud the computing, its evolution and all the perspectives it offers to all those who want to specialize in this discipline.
Are you one of those people? If you want to become a specialist in cloud computing, this is your opportunity. With the help of Tokyo School you can become the professional that is most in demand by companies in the IT sector. Do not hesitate and take the step!
If you want more information about our Cloud Computing course, get in touch with us through the form below so that we can answer all your questions. A bright professional future awaits you! Get trained in cloud computing!