The History of Cloud Computing:
Commercial Cloud Storage
How did Cloud Storage become available to the public?
September 21, 2021
In a previous blog, we provided a brief introduction to “The History of Cloud Computing.” In that blog, we discussed how the theory of cloud computing started with Dr. Licklider in the 60s. Today we will discuss where the Cloud evolved from there.
What was the next step in Cloud Computing?
We left off with the 70s and 80s, where we would see computing start to take hold as a way for institutions to share data. Thus began the creation of the infrastructure needed for truly accessible data through the Cloud. The next step would happen in the 1990s and early 2000s, with the rise of public cloud storage.
What is Cloud Storage?
Cloud Storage allows a consumer to securely store their data on the internet through a cloud computing provider. This provider manages and operates their data storage as a service. Data is stored in the Cloud (secure off-site servers), where it can be accessed by individuals with an internet connection and the appropriate permissions.
The most widely utilized cloud service by the typical consumer is low cost bulk storage. These services played an important role in contributing to a worldwide storage capacity of 295 exabytes of information (an exabyte is 1 followed by 20 zeros) estimated by USC scientists in 2011."
How did Cloud Storage gain popularity with the general public?
In the early 1980s, CompuServe provided customers with 128k of disk space to store whatever they needed. However, AT&T was one of the first companies to offer any kind of all-web-based storage on a larger scale with Personal Link Services in 1994 (1). Despite these examples, Cloud Storage wasn’t yet popular for use by the public.
It wasn’t until companies realized they could use the internet to deliver services directly to consumers that the Cloud took off. Salesforce was one of the first to successfully take advantage of cloud computing with the on-demand purchase of their software to any customer who had internet access in 1999 (2). The successful use of Cloud Computing as a service for customers lead to it being more widely used, most popularly for Cloud Storage.
In 2002 Amazon introduced its web-based retail services and quickly followed up with the launch of Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2006 (2). AWS provides Cloud Services (including Cloud Storage) to other companies. Other large tech companies, such as Google, quickly followed suit. Before long, Cloud Storage became a popular way for businesses, and individuals, to securely store their data. Cloud providers now offer storage for a vast array of data,
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
References:
Cloud Services
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