How Cloud Computing is Slowly Shaping the Modern World
Few people would argue the tremendous influence computers, tech and the web have had on today’s world. However, as the internet passes its 30th birthday, it seems one technology, in particular, has the potential to shape IT into the next decade and beyond – cloud computing.
While there’s nothing particularly new about the basic concept of cloud computing – i.e. storing files on servers and utilizing remote processing grunt to process files – with today’s improving devices, better software and vastly quicker connection speeds, the cloud is coming to shape most of modern tech.
The basics of cloud computing
As mentioned above, the concept of remote storage is as old as the internet itself. For many years, we’ve been used to the idea of visiting websites held on servers, with information passed to us over http connections through a browser. However, where cloud tech differs considerably is the notion of not just using servers for storage and serving web pages but also for powering devices, processing tasks and running apps over the web.
The term ‘cloud computing’ loosely refers to any computing service that is processed remotely and passed to the user – normally over the internet – whether that be the storage/retrieval of files, executing processing duties or running software remotely.
Coupled with today’s increased fixed-line fiber connections and mobile 5G tech, modern cloud services have the power to supercharge the usability and capabilities of even the lowliest handheld device by drawing on remote processing power.
Ways the cloud is making the promise of tomorrow’s tech today’s reality
For a technology that is (by comparison) in its relative infancy, cloud computing is already bringing impressive benefits and heralding a new age of IT. Indeed, possibly without even realizing it, the chances are high that you or your company already make extensive use of cloud services on a day-to-day basis.
From online email apps like Gmail to streaming services such as Spotify or Netflix, cloud tech is already metamorphosing the capabilities of our gadgets by pulling on remote processes served by vastly most powerful computers.
However, while the cloud is already changing what we’ve come to expect and demand from online technology, the future applications are perhaps even more intriguing and promising:
Online, accessible repositories with bulletproof security: Not so very long ago, even the largest of corporations ran tethered tech that necessitated a physical presence and fixed connections. With cloud computing, companies big and small can take advantage of much more powerful machines, all served via mobile or fiber line connections. Also, while no online service can ever be 100% safe, cloud computing companies offer best-in-class security – with the added peace of mind of 24/7 support and backup solutions. Try watching some Azure training videos (or similar cloud services promotional materials) to see just how safe the tech really is.
The incessant rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI): By its very nature, Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems thrive in the cloud through unified connections and shared data. We are literally at the tip of the iceberg of where AI might go – especially when you consider the huge potential of the burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT).
The age of the driverless vehicle: By gathering data from multiple sources (i.e. connected smartphones, IoT devices, geo-mapping tech and data, etc), the previously sci-fi concept of autonomous vehicles capable of studying and interpreting data to drive safely is fast becoming a reality.
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