The history of cloud computing
Cloud computing is the newest name for what has been around since the mid-90s as “on-demand infrastructure.” In 1995, it was known as “Shared Web Hosting” and had limited features such as multi-tenant, automated provisioning, easy-to-use interface. In 1998 VPS Hosting became available – this web host improved by having partial infrastructure demand and resource size flexibility. 1997 brought Dedicated Hosting, both managed and unmanaged. This type of automated computing had dedicated servers with promises of full administrative access.
The 2000s was when automated computing became closer to what is known as “cloud” today. It came in the form of Grid/Utility Computing and had full infrastructure demand and multi-tenant, partial resource size flexibility and automated provisioning.
From 2012 through today, for cloud computing to “cross the chasm” and attract a wider audience beyond develops and startups it needs to be easier, more saleable and more flexible – while being billed in a true utility model. Cloud computing 2.0 providers are offering services that are truer to the definition of cloud than ever before.
Check out the infographic below presented by ProfitBricks to learn more about the past and presented of cloud computing.