The concept of cloud computing, the remote sharing and accessing of information globally, can be traced as far back as the 1960s, with developer J.C.R. Licklider. He envisioned a global interconnectedness of data access from anywhere, much like cloud computing is today. However, it’s been in the last five years that cloud computing has really advanced and shaped people’s lives and the business world.
Cloud Computing Is a Booming Business
Revenue from cloud computing has steadily increased from $582 million in 2009 to $688 million in 2013, with predictions to reach $718 million in 2014. In a 2013 survey, 75 percent of participating businesses used some form of cloud computing, which shot up from the 67 percent in 2012.
Private cloud computing server revenue is following the same trend, notes Statista. The trust and familiarity with the cloud in this Digital Age has continued to grow so much that the idea of storing data in-house is becoming as archaic as purchasing CDs. The trend is continuing to move toward trusting online data storage as we are seeing the benefits of what it can do for us, both professionally and personally. It has given us more flexibility with IT infrastructure, given us the ability to access and share data while on the go and it has made transferring big data easier and faster, claims The Guardian.
Businesses are investing in cloud computing systems because it enables them to share and store big data. This market has grown exponentially in the last five years, generating $3.2 billion in 2010 to an expected number of $16.9 billion by next year, explains The Guardian. Some businesses still prefer using onsite servers that allow them more direct control, even though it may be more costly, but even these businesses are starting to see the value of cloud computing and are beginning to diversify by using a hybrid approach, combining cloud capabilities with existing onsite infrastructures. This hybrid concept also allows businesses to gradually move into cloud computing and big data analysis.
Cloud Computing Improves Daily Lives
No longer do we have to replace our portable backups every other year, or worry about our information when we drop our phones in some water. With cloud computing, your photos, emails, contacts and other personal data are collected, stored and updated without you having to manually back them up.
Cloud computing also has provided people with more affordable, multiple software usage. Where programs like Adobe’s Photoshop, Audition and Encore would cost you a steep price to purchase separately, the cloud allows you to access all of these as well as other Adobe programs through an online rental service. Furthermore, updates are free and enrollment lasts as long as you want it.
Access to apps through the cloud has improved our daily lives in so many ways from DIY videos and online manuals to repair things around the house to higher speed connection for serious gamers to alerts for electric car drivers when their car battery is low.
Another benefit is the protection of information. In one study, 10,278 laptops per week were reported lost in 36 of the largest American airports, reports the Wall Street Journal. Loss and theft could cause stress over losing precious family photos to job termination over losing company data all because data was only stored on the laptop. Cloud storage and security can ensure that all your information is safe even in the case of loss or theft. For instance, Top 10 Cloud Storage states that ZipCloud offers unlimited storage for $4.95 a month, and promotes their security twice because they take file security very seriously.
So, if you haven’t joined the cloud yet, you might want to start before you fall behind.
