Today, there are technology buzzwords and acronyms for everything. You need a dictionary just to decipher and translate them all.  One term that seems to continue growing in popularity and complexity is Cloud Computing.  In fact, it appears more than 235 million times on the Internet.

Quite simply, Cloud Computing is a metaphor for the Internet.  To elaborate, its the on-demand delivery of computer power, database storage, applications, and other IT resources through a cloud services platform via the Internet.

So, where does the phrase come from?
To answer this question, we have to go back to the early 1990’s.  Back then, computer scientists used drawings of clouds to depict communication systems, networks, and big groupings of computers that were out there ‘somewhere’. 

What is the history of cloud computing?
Many believe the first use of Cloud Computing occurred on August 9, 2006, when then Google CEO Eric Schmidt introduced the term to a conference.  “What’s interesting is that there is an emergent new model,” Schmidt said, “I don’t think people have really understood how big this opportunity really is. It starts with the premise that the data services and architecture should be on servers. We call it cloud computing—they should be in a “cloud” somewhere.”

Since then Cloud Computing has really taken off with the emergence of Software as a Service and the phenomenal growth of cloud computing providers.

How important is the cloud?
According to IDC, building the infrastructure to support cloud computing currently accounts for more than a third of all IT spending worldwide. And according to Gartner, global spending on cloud services will reach $260 Billion this year up from $219.6 Billion. All indications point to this growth trend continuing for the foreseeable future. 

Does your future look bright with the cloud? 
Many still ask us if moving to the cloud is a good idea. We say yes. To start with, Cloud Computing increases efficiency and helps improve cash flow.  Plus it can deliver the following:  

• Flexibility | Cloud-based services are ideal for businesses with growing or fluctuating bandwidth demands. 
  
  
• Disaster recovery | Cloud-based backup and recovery solutions can save time, help avoid large up-front investments and provide access to third-party expertise. 
  
  
• Mobility| With cloud computing, if you’ve got an Internet connection you can be at work, which means you can work from virtually anywhere. Plus, most cloud services offer mobile apps, allowing you to be work anywhere, anytime.

• Collaboration | Cloud-based workflow and file sharing apps help improve your teams ability to access, edit and share documents.
  
  
• Security | With data storage in the Cloud, you can access it at anytime, as well as remotely wipe data from lost devices so that it doesn’t fall in to the wrong hands.
  
  
• Document control | All files are stored centrally and everyone sees just one version. Greater visibility means improved collaboration, which ultimately means better work and a healthier bottom line. 

Not moved to the cloud yet?  
If you’re still relying on the old way, it could be time to make a move to the Cloud. If you feel ready to take advantage of these benefits, send us a note info@amtrasolutions.com. 

Image credit | www.contrib.andrew.cmu.edu