It has been established as commonplace that cloud computing changed the way we transport data on digital avenues. The technology has been hailed as the champion of the information age, and indeed, it is hard to find a modern company which does not store and access data in cloud. Still, if we take a step back and look at the evolution of the cloud computing, do we really see the concept that came out of the blue and shifted the high-tech landscape of today? Is this the digital revolution or another trend that has been blown out of proportion by the buzz-hungry online community?
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Transcending space and time
People are no longer tied down with their computers, enjoying the benefits of high-speed internet on the go. With data storage available from virtually everywhere, the USB sticks and DVDs have become nearly obsolete. Now we can utilize amazing solutions such as Dropbox or Evernote, and keep all our data in one place. We do not have to upload our blog posts to FTP server, for WordPress makes this process far less tedious. However, if you have been wondering about how the hell people have worked without the centralized architecture you have been nurturing a misconception.
Namely, the cloud computing is neither revolutionary nor new. Although the term is relatively novel, the concept itself has been used to denote client-server architecture for 15 years and more. In those “olden days” there were mainframe computers that were connected to the computers of clients. Later, we witnessed the invention of Laptops and proliferation of VPN networks. There are also a lot of inventions that have contributed to the surge in online tech: New top-level domains like .me domain, the rise of the mobile platforms, boom in the app market, etc.
The old and the new
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Since then, the main framework has remained pretty much the same, with innovations encompassing makeovers, internet speed boosts, and renaming. That does not seem to give enough reasons for announcing the game-changing technology, but the question is where does the hype come from then? Well, it is safe to assume that the ballyhoo of this phenomenon is rooted in the widespread use, as well as its evolving applications. Moreover, cloud computing has become the darling of the users because it is easy-to-use, accessible, and secure.
Uploading and syncing data runs like clockwork, the features are automated, and the design polished. There is no need to engage in the hassle such as manual synching or to use programs like desktop reader RSS applications. But, like it or not, under the surface, it is the same. In a sense, we have reinvented the wheel rather than a concept that is changing the face of the world: The cloud computing has been around for quite some time, albeit not in such a refined, sophisticated state.
This is not to say that cloud computing is redundant, or anything like that. It is right at the center of rapid businesses and tech developments, accelerating our advance into the world of tomorrow. Many applications deserve the cheering and applause, as they make our life much easier. The problem is that overwhelming buzz clouds the rational debate and obfuscates some problems like numerous security threats. We need to see cloud technology for what it is, with all the advantages and flaws included in the big picture. Only then can we make informed decisions and gain an edge in the competitive business arena.
From the ground up
Thanks to the cloud computing, we do not have to work with one physical machine all the time, and are able to reap the benefits of the seamless integration and syncing. But, does cloud computing deserves the praise it gets? Well, I would say yes and no. The ability to work from wherever you want should definitely be celebrated and cherished. Yet, the groundwork has been laid a while back, the same as load-bearing walls and the roof. Cloud computing, as we know it, has given the building’s facade a much-needed facelift, beautified its architectural features, and made them fit for the 21st century.