July 9, 2014
Cloud computing allows you to connect from virtually anywhere via many different platforms. While riding the bus you can be checking emails. When you're sitting on your couch you can update and share files. And of course, when you're at your office you can access, connect, share and more. Cloud computing has become common place in today’s business environments; we almost forget what the world was like without it.
Before Cloud Computing
Picture row upon row of cubicles, each with their own computer and monitor. Now, imagine that Jim has a file he needs to update. He updates the file and sends one copy to Susan, one to Craig and a third to Andrew. Each of them has separate updates to add, which they do, and then they forward the file to all in the group. See the problem? At this stage, each person has a completely different file, and another step is required to get all of the updates into one cohesive file.
So, why don't they do it one step at a time? Well, they could, but that takes extra time, which reduces productivity. Now imagine this is the situation with every file and every document update throughout your office. This is generally a slow-moving process.
The Idea
The rise of cloud computing began with the idea of interactive computing, made possible by the Internet, for which we thank Tim Berners-Lee’s. This idea came about in the sixties and was dreamed up by J.C.R. Licklider, the man behind the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network. He believed that he could connect everyone and allow them to access applications and data from any site, at any given time.
Around the same time, computer scientist John McCarthy started to think about computation as a public utility in which everyone could connect.
The rise of cloud computing, and our existing productivity levels, owes its origins to these two men and their initial thoughts.
Cloud Computing Takes Off
Like most new technology, it took a while for cloud computing to truly take off. Technology needed to be developed to allow reality to match the theory. First, the Internet was required and high-speed access needed to become mainstream. When the Internet became a staple in people's lives, cloud computing was able to move full speed ahead. People are sharing files and data at an unprecedented rate, interacting and using software applications at the same time. All of these developments led to the cloud computing revolution we experience today.
Our Daily Lives
Cloud computing, like many technologies that become commonplace, has become one of those tools we take for granted. Think about the number of times you connect to your office on your smart phone or tablet. When you modify a file, then upload it to your server for others to see and make changes to, no matter where you are, you're using cloud computing. The impact cloud computing has in your daily life is amazing once you think about it. Now, think about the future. What is cloud computing’s potential?
The Future of Cloud Computing
The best way to sum up the future of cloud computing is this: collaboration at the next level – anytime, anywhere, from any device. Right now, with all of the advances, there are a few limits to what cloud computing can accomplish.
Doctors could be performing surgery, encounter an obstacle and be able to have multiple experts comment instantly to help save a patient's life. Businesses and governments may operate entirely within the cloud, providing for a truly collaborative unlimited work environment.
The future of cloud computing offers truly innovative business opportunities. Request a consultation if you want to discuss how cloud computing can help the future of your business.
