Cloud computing was invented in the 1960s, but it gained significant traction in the 2000s with the emergence of major tech companies offering cloud services to the public.
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The concept of cloud computing has a long history that dates back to the 1950s when mainframes were introduced. These large-scale mainframes were housed in server rooms, and multiple users accessed them through dumb terminals. The practice of shared access to mainframes allowed organizations to maximize their investment in this expensive technology.
In the 1970s, IBM released an operating system called VM that enabled administrators to have multiple virtual systems on a single physical node. This virtualization technology allowed for the creation of distinct compute environments within a shared physical environment. It became a catalyst for advancements in communications and computing.
In the 1990s, telecommunications companies started offering virtualized private network connections, which provided shared access to physical infrastructure instead of dedicated connections. This shift allowed for better network balance and increased control over bandwidth usage.
Virtualization also extended to PC-based systems, with servers being virtualized into shared hosting environments, virtual private servers, and virtual dedicated servers. This approach allowed for cost savings in infrastructure and hardware requirements.
As the Internet became more accessible, virtualization moved online. By installing software called a hypervisor across multiple physical nodes, a cloud computing environment could be created. This environment presented the resources as if they were on a single physical node, enabling easy scalability and resource allocation.
Companies began offering cloud computing instances, allowing users to order the resources they needed from a larger pool. This process was quick and efficient since the servers were already online. Cloud computing environments simplified management and provided scalability for users without an abundance of physical servers.
IBM Cloud took the concept of cloud computing one step further by building a platform called IMS. This platform automated the process of bringing a server online without a hypervisor, providing better server performance. IBM Cloud offers bare metal servers without unnecessary software, allowing for quick delivery and improved performance.
IBM Cloud is focused on driving wider adoption of innovative cloud services. Their platform is open and secure, built on open source software and enterprise-grade infrastructure. It offers trusted solutions backed by industry expertise, making it suitable for running core business operations.
Source: https://www.ibm.com/cloud/blog/cloud-computing-history
The history of cloud computing explained
Cloud computing has evolved into an essential service that is relied upon by modern organizations. It played a significant role in minimizing the social and economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The concept of computing as a utility or service is not new, with time-sharing being a precursor to cloud computing. The rise of minicomputers, PCs, and Unix workstations led to the development of modern data centers and subsequently cloud computing. Virtualization technology, particularly the reinvention of virtual machines for x86 systems by VMware in 1999, laid the foundation for cloud compute instances and other infrastructure resources. The term cloud was widely used in the early internet days to denote the wide-area routing and switching infrastructure. The term came into widespread use in 2006 when Amazon launched AWS and introduced the Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) service. The 1990s saw the emergence of time-sharing, Application Service Providers (ASPs), and consumer information services as precursors to cloud computing. The 2000s marked the growth of cloud services, with Amazon, Google, and Microsoft building vast data centers to accommodate online commerce and applications. SaaS productivity applications gained popularity, and the introduction of Apple iCloud, IBM Cloud, and Oracle Cloud showcased the expansion of cloud services. The 2010s witnessed the rise of containerization with Docker and Kubernetes, offering workload portability between cloud environments. The future of cloud computing looks promising, with increasing enterprise spending on Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and a shift from internal infrastructure to cloud services. Organizations will adopt a strategic approach, balancing public, private, hybrid, and multi-cloud infrastructure. Considerations for cloud adoption include technology advancements, legislation, and social and political pressures.
Source: https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/feature/The-history-of-cloud-computing-explained
A Brief History of Cloud Computing – DATAVERSITY
Cloud computing has a rich history that dates back to the 1960s when DARPA funded MIT’s Project MAC, which aimed to develop technology for multiple simultaneous computer usage. The concept of cloud computing emerged as a result, with one massive computer serving multiple users. In 1969, J.C.R. Licklider played a significant role in developing the ARPANET, an early version of the internet, envisioning a connected world where people could access information from anywhere. The internet became a crucial component for accessing the cloud.
The term virtualization gained prominence in the 1970s, referring to the creation of virtual machines that mimic real computers with functional operating systems. As the internet evolved, businesses began offering virtual private networks as rentable services. Virtual computers gained popularity in the 1990s, leading to the development of cloud infrastructure.
In the late 1990s, the cloud started gaining traction, and in 1997, Professor Ramnath Chellapa defined cloud computing as a computing paradigm driven by economic rationale rather than technical limits alone. The cloud’s popularity increased as companies recognized its services and benefits. In 1999, Salesforce became a notable example by delivering software programs through the internet, enabling on-demand, cost-effective software access.
In the early 2000s, Amazon played a significant role in the development of cloud computing. They introduced web-based retail services and identified the underutilization of computing capacity as a problem to be solved. This led to the launch of Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2006, offering online services like storage, computation, and virtual machines.
Google also made strides in cloud computing with the introduction of Google Docs in 2006, allowing users to save, edit, and share documents online. In 2007, IBM, Google, and several universities collaborated to create a server farm for research projects. The same year, Netflix launched its streaming video service, utilizing the cloud and popularizing binge-watching.
Cloud computing continued to evolve, and in 2008, Eucalyptus provided the first AWS API compatible platform for distributing private clouds, while NASA released open-source software for private and hybrid clouds. Private clouds gained traction due to security concerns, and by 2010, companies like AWS, Microsoft, and OpenStack had developed functional private clouds.
The concept of hybrid clouds emerged in 2011, requiring interoperability and the ability to shift workloads between private and public clouds. IBM introduced the Smarter Computing initiative, and Apple launched iCloud for storing personal information. Oracle introduced IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS in 2012, which became the norm for cloud services.
Cloud management platforms like CloudBolt emerged in 2012, enabling organizations to build, deploy, and manage private and public clouds and resolve interoperability issues. Multi-cloud usage became popular in 2013-2014, where organizations utilized SaaS providers for specific services and advantages, avoiding vendor lock-in.
By 2014, cloud computing had matured, and security became a major concern. Cloud security services advanced significantly, offering protection comparable to traditional IT security systems. Application developers became primary users of cloud services, leading to the development of developer-friendly tools by cloud vendors.
Containers, although existing since 2004, gained significant traction with Docker’s functional container in 2013. Tools like Kubernetes, developed by Google and made open-source in 2014, automated application deployments and management.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of cloud computing for e-commerce and remote work. Predictions for the future of the cloud include automated data governance software to handle internet regulations and laws. For further insights, exploring the Future of the Cloud in 2023 can provide valuable information.
Source: https://www.dataversity.net/brief-history-cloud-computing/
Who Coined ‘Cloud Computing’?
Cloud computing is a widely used term in the technology industry, referring to the practice of accessing software, computer power, and files over the Internet instead of on local devices. While the origins of the term have been debated, Technology Review traced it back to late 1996 when a group of technology executives at Compaq Computer in an office park outside Houston used the phrase to describe their vision of the future of the Internet business. These executives, including George Favaloro and Sean O’Sullivan, envisioned a shift where business software and cloud computing-enabled applications would become common on the web.
Although some accounts attribute the birth of the term to 2006 when major companies like Google and Amazon started using it, Technology Review’s findings predate that period. The term cloud computing has become a disputed prize, with companies seeking to trademark it and others accused of misusing it to describe older product lines. Despite its ubiquity and the historic shift it represents in the IT industry, cloud computing has been regarded as a jargon term that some tech executives find annoying but difficult to avoid.
The US government has also faced challenges in defining cloud computing, and there have been various claims of invention and attempts to coopt the term. While the exact originator of the phrase is uncertain, George Favaloro and Sean O’Sullivan both believe they played a role in coining it. Favaloro possesses a paper copy of a Compaq analysis dated November 1996, which refers to application software is no longer a feature of the hardware—but of the Internet. O’Sullivan found a handwritten note in his daily planner from October 1996, where he wrote Cloud Computing: The Cloud has no Borders after a meeting with Favaloro. These documented references are the earliest ones discovered so far.
Cloud computing was conceived as a marketing term to link the emerging Internet opportunity to Compaq’s existing computing business. While it didn’t gain immediate popularity, the concept behind it eventually came to fruition. Compaq shifted its focus to selling servers to early Internet providers, and Favaloro’s vision proved to be successful. On the other hand, NetCentric, O’Sullivan’s startup, faced difficulties in marketing cloud computing applications and eventually closed down.
Despite the challenges and uncertainty surrounding its origin, cloud computing has transformed into a reality, enabling businesses and individuals to be more productive, efficient, and connected. The vision of accessing applications and data through the cloud has become a fundamental part of the modern technology landscape.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2011/10/31/257406/who-coined-cloud-computing/
History of Cloud Computing | Brief Overview of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing emerged in the early 1960s, with the introduction of time-sharing and Remote Job Entry by IBM and DEC. Full time-sharing systems became available in the 1970s, and in the 1990s, telecommunication companies started offering affordable VPN services, making effective use of the network. By 1994, the term cloud was used to describe virtualized services.
J.C.R Licklider, an American psychologist and computer scientist, invented cloud computing in the early 1960s while working on ARPANet, an early version of the internet. Licklider’s vision was to connect people and data worldwide, which led to the development of ARPANet and eventually the internet.
In the mid-2000s, Amazon introduced Elastic Computing Cloud (EC2), and Google released its beta version of the search engine. Microsoft also entered the cloud computing market with Microsoft Azure in 2008. Google Compute Engine was released in 2012, and Oracle introduced Oracle Cloud with various services. Linux and open source software play a significant role in the cloud computing landscape.
Cloud computing was invented to enable simultaneous computer usage by multiple users. The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency funded a project in 1963 to develop this technology. J.C.R Licklider expanded on this vision with the development of ARPANet, aiming to create a global interconnected computer network. The concept of virtualization in the 1970s and the use of virtual machines contributed to the development of cloud computing infrastructure.
Cloud computing offers numerous advantages for businesses, including data security, remote accessibility, and scalability. It is widely used in applications like Facebook, Instagram, and Google Cloud. The flexibility and cost-effectiveness of cloud computing make it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. However, some concerns regarding application security still exist.
In conclusion, cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses deliver solutions and enterprise applications. It continues to evolve, with ongoing research and development activities focused on addressing challenges and ensuring future growth.
Source: https://www.educba.com/history-of-cloud-computing/
When Did Cloud Computing Start? The History of the Cloud
When Did Cloud Computing Start? The History of the Cloud
Source: https://blog.servermania.com/the-history-of-cloud-computing/
Where Did Cloud Computing Come From, Anyway?
Cloud computing has a long history that predates the popularization of personal computers and the Internet. The concept of sharing computing resources to maximize their use and reduce costs can be traced back to the 1950s. In those days, computing time was expensive, and users wanted to find ways to make the most of this valuable asset. John McCarthy, the computer scientist who coined the term artificial intelligence, came up with a concept similar to today’s cloud computing called time-sharing in the mid-1950s. By sharing a computer’s computational power, users could rent the resources without bearing the entire cost.
In the 1960s and ’70s, service bureaus emerged, enabling users to share expensive computers. Each user had their own terminal connected to a service bureau that hosted applications. Information would be sent between the terminal and the bureau through a protocol, and requests would be routed to the appropriate application. Although this shared computing model was conceptually similar to today’s cloud computing, it was much more expensive, less pervasive, and relied on cable connections rather than wireless signals or modems.
The development of the Internet and advancements in computer technology led to the decentralization of computing in the 1980s. Mini computers became popular, allowing individuals to have their own PCs at home. Shared computing fell out of favor since personal computing became more accessible. However, with the rise of mobile Internet devices and their limited storage capacity, the idea of cloud computing reemerged. The modern-day cloud facilitates synchronization and the centralized running of applications across various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers.
However, the future of cloud computing may involve a shift away from heavy reliance on the cloud. While certain data, like social media information, makes sense to be processed centrally, devices such as activity trackers and smart home devices can utilize the computing power of individual devices rather than sending data to the cloud for processing. Companies may become more selective in what data is sent to the cloud and what remains local. The pendulum of computing tends to swing back and forth between centralization and decentralization as new applications and innovations emerge.
In summary, cloud computing has its roots in the 1950s with the concept of time-sharing and has evolved through various phases of centralization and decentralization. Today, the cloud powers a range of devices, keeping them synchronized and running applications in a centralized manner. However, the future may see a more balanced approach, with certain computations happening locally on individual devices rather than solely relying on the cloud. The cloud will continue to exist but will adapt and change in shape.
Source: https://time.com/collection-post/3750915/cloud-computing-origin-story/
A history of cloud computing
Cloud computing has a long history that dates back to the 1960s, when the concept of an interconnected computer network was first proposed. In recent years, cloud computing has transformed from a recommended adoption for companies to a crucial component of modern enterprises. CIOs no longer question whether to adopt cloud technology but rather how quickly they can implement it and how much of their IT infrastructure can be moved off-premise. Changes in IT purchasing approaches, both in billing and supplier perspectives, have facilitated this shift. The origins of cloud computing can be traced back to the vision of JCR Licklider, who introduced the idea of an interlinked global network in the 1960s. This concept laid the foundation for grid computing, which eventually led to the development of utility computing and the cloud computing we know today. The cloud computing market has experienced significant milestones, including the emergence of Salesforce.com in 1999, which pioneered the delivery of enterprise applications via the internet. Other notable milestones include the rise of SaaS and the introduction of Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2002, which revolutionized infrastructure as a service (IaaS). Legacy software providers such as Microsoft, Oracle, and SAP have transitioned to the cloud and promoted a pay-as-you-go model. However, born-in-the-cloud companies like Workday, Zendesk, and ServiceNow have also played a crucial role in driving enterprise spending on SaaS. The cloud market has witnessed fierce competition between major players like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Startups were early adopters of cloud technology, leveraging its flexibility to out-innovate their more established counterparts. As enterprises realized the benefits of the cloud, they began reducing their reliance on on-premise technologies. Microsoft, with its Azure platform, has capitalized on its enterprise install base and experience in meeting CIOs’ needs. The cloud market has prompted service providers like HPE, Dell, and VMware to adjust their offerings to accommodate changes in enterprise IT buying behavior. While some have exited the public cloud market, others have focused on helping enterprises manage applications across multiple public clouds. Looking ahead, cloud computing is expected to continue its growth trajectory as enterprise adoption increases and perceived barriers, such as security concerns, diminish. Cloud technologies are generating significant revenues for service providers and vendors, and market growth is projected to remain steady over the next five years.
Source: https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/A-history-of-cloud-computing
How the Cloud Has Evolved Over the Past 10 Years – DATAVERSITY
How the Cloud Has Evolved Over the Past 10 Years – DATAVERSITY
Source: https://www.dataversity.net/how-the-cloud-has-evolved-over-the-past-10-years/
