Cloud computing came about because there was a need for more storage space and more computing power without having to spend large amounts of money on building the facilities to house this technology. In addition to this need, there was also the need to be able to access files from a large number of devices anywhere in the world. For this reason the cloud was created.
Where Did It Start?
According to Softlayer.com the idea of cloud computing dates all the way back to the 1950s. It came about because mainframes and maintaining mainframes were so expensive that organizations started allowing multiple users to share the same data storage and computer power from several different stations. This shared access allowed organizations to get the most out of one mainframe.
By the 1970s there were systems created by IBM that allowed people to have their own admins, called “Virtual Machines” or VM. This means they had their own operating systems, storage and hard drives, among other features, while still being a part of one physical location that shared resources, this led the way to further innovations.
By the 1990s telecommunications companies had started offering virtualized private network connections. Telco companies were able to allow users to have their own account, but several accounts would share the same physical infrastructure.
What Happened When the Cost of Servers Dropped?
Eventually the cost of servers and computing hardware dropped significantly. Buying hardware was no longer a problem, and, as a result, there was no need to split up a server so that several users could use it. When the price of the servers dropped, organizations started to have to find a way to combine them. Technologists took a page from the telecommunications book and started connecting computers together by installing a piece of software called a hypervisor. The hypervisor enabled many devices to be connected to the same environment. Those shared resources are what became known as the cloud and eventually, these systems became more sophisticated and more reliable.
Why Data Backup Moved Up Into the Cloud?
The cloud has become a major tool for many companies, and an essential part of storing important information. One vital part of any business is backing up their critical information. For many companies, their first taste of cloud based backups was purely born out of the need to have better remote access to those files for offsite or traveling users. As businesses became more security focused, they quickly realized the importance of data protection. Different solutions evolved to not only provide encryption while in flight to the cloud, but also at rest while on the cloud based provider’s servers.