The History of Cloud Computing:
The Theory
Where did the idea of Cloud Computing start?
August 10, 2021
In a previous blog, we went into depth and discussed “What is the Cloud?” but where did the cloud begin? Today we will provide you with a brief introduction to the history of cloud computing, specifically how the idea of the cloud came to be.
Did someone invent Cloud Computing?
Many things had to converge for Cloud Computing to be possible. However, cloud computing never would have existed without an idea, and that’s where Dr. Joseph Carl Robnett Licklider came into the picture.
His original and far-sighted ideas outlined many of the features the Internet offers today: graphical computing, user-friendly interfaces, digital libraries, e-commerce, online banking, and cloud computing."
In 1962, Dr. Licklider was working as the Head of the Information Processing Technologies Office at the U.S. Department of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA). It is here that he sent out several memos detailing the “Intergalactic Computer Network.” These memos were the earliest ideas of a global computer network, or a network similar to the modern Cloud.
Later at ARPA, Dr. Licklider described the challenges of establishing a time-sharing network of computers. These descriptions, combined with Dr. Licklider’s push for research, led to the creation of ARPAnet, a precursor to the internet.
Dr. Licklider was well ahead of his time. At this point in the 1960s, the internet didn’t exist, and computers were only used as machines for mathematics. One of these revolutionary ideas was cloud computing, though he didn’t call it that at the time. The idea of connecting people to data from anywhere, at any time, using computers was a new idea and eventually would revolutionize how we interact with data daily.
Read More About Joseph Carl Robnett Licklider & The Internet Hall of Fame
How did Cloud Computing move forward from an idea to what it is today?
With the groundwork laid for both Cloud Computing and the Internet, the first steps towards Cloud Computing and Cloud Storage could take shape. The 70s and 80s would see computing start to take hold as a way for institutions to share data. Many government entities started to install their first computers, launch network operating systems, and begin to create the infrastructure needed for truly accessible data through the Cloud.
However, it wasn’t until the 90s that what we now know as Cloud Computing started to be realized. In our next, The History of Cloud Computing, we will go into more detail on how the late 1990s and early 2000s was the birth of the Cloud as we know it today.
How can DOMA help you implement the Cloud in your business?
DOMA is an expert in navigating and deploying cloud services for federal, commercial, and healthcare customers. If you would like to find out if cloud services are right for your organization, consider getting a comprehensive cloud assessment from DOMA. We are here to help you determine if AWS cloud services can make an impact on your team. If you’re unsure where to start or need help getting these services integrated, we can do the heavy lifting. Get started with the Cloud quickly.
About DOMA- Powered by Tech, Driven by People
DOMA Technologies (DOMA) is a software development and digital transformation company whose mission is to change customer lives by lightening their workload through faster and more targeted access to their data. Since 2000, our team of 200+ experts has helped businesses navigate all aspects of the digital world. We are a dedicated strategic partner for the federal government and private sector clients at every stage of their unique digital transformation journey.
Author:
Danielle Wethington
Director of Communications
Cloud Services
Learn more about DOMA’s Cloud Services.
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