Is the Concept of Cloud Computing Actually New?

Have you ever heard of the cloud? No, not like the kinds that float around the atmosphere and bring rain and shade on a sunny day. The kind of cloud that technology experts refer to—have you ever hear of that cloud?
Well, the chances are great that you have used this cloud. In fact, you are probably using it right now. In techno-terms, cloud refers to the Internet. But, as with all things technological, that term turns into a phrase about which there is much debate. The word cloud was used to describe the cloud-like shape that is frequently used to illustrate the Internet in network diagrams and other technological schematics. This word turns into something controversial when it becomes the phrase “cloud computing”. This phrase refers to the utilization of computing resources, like software, which are delivered to the user via the Internet, also known as the cloud.
With cloud computing, user relies upon remote control software and other remote services to access a variety of data and other software. There is a lot of debate as to whether cloud computing simply refers to the Internet and the different programs that users are able to use because of it, or if the phrase alludes to something far more vast. Many experts believe that anything that Internet users are able to use outside of the firewall because of the Internet is cloud computing. But, whatever those expert gadget-geeks decide, the fact is that the phrase itself, “cloud computing” is nothing at all new. Here is a timeline to show you how the cloud has evolved:
1. 1950s—It was in this decade that the whole concept of cloud computing was developed. This was during a time when a giant structure became available for the technological academics and the big corporations of the day. These original frameworks were costly, so generally multiple users would invest in a single networking system to get a good return.
2. 1960s—This decade brought about the belief that in time cloud computing would become available to the average citizen, and not just the scholars and business leaders. John McCarthy, American computer scientist and inventor of the phrase “artificial intelligence” remarked during this age, “computation may someday be organized as a public utility.” Looks like he was right. Wonder if he predicted remote control computer software, too?
3. 1990s—Previously, users had relied upon point-to-point data circuits for their technological needs. But in this decade, telecommunications companies began offering virtual private network services. These services were much more affordable, and were supposed to work just as well as the traditional computing methods. 1994 was the year in which the cloud symbol was first used in a diagram to represent the Internet.
Over the years, scientists were able to develop cloud computing, turning into something that virtually every citizen in America can use whenever they want. From its original conception more than half a century ago, cloud computing has evolved significantly, transforming into the modern definition, which we are (sort of) familiar with today. Whether you are a business executive who relies upon cloud-based computing systems to manage your corporation, or if you are simply an average Joe searching the web for the formulas for your child’s math homework, cloud computing has helped you.