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    Cloud computing predictions in 1993 accurate, but modern ones less so

    Cloud computing predictions in 1993 accurate, but modern ones less so

    It feels like even a few years ago, few people could have predicted the strength or the prominence of the current cloud computing market. However, a new report found that predictions from 20 years ago have largely come true. At the same time, there have also been some changes few would have expected even three years ago.

    According to Cloud Computing News, a video created by AT&T way back in 1993 found that workers predicted an "electronic meeting place" decades ago, having no idea how true their predictions would become. The PersonaLink project, called the first intelligent and customized piece of software meant to help users, outlined an early form of what the current cloud market became.

    The AT&T video that recently made headlines expected that what's now known as the cloud was originally aimed to send a number of messages around the world. This came with calls for both "dumb" messages that could only transmit information and "smart" messages that could show the sender's intentions, prompting potential conversations in the process.

    Twenty years ago, the dream was for an "electronic community without borders and without boundaries." It's surprising how close to the truth that call truly was.

    The cloud changes in mysterious ways
    As accurate as that prediction may have been, Forbes added that there are just as many changes that no one saw coming in the at-large cloud market. One example comes from some companies' reluctance to move everything to the cloud, opting to instead use a tighter focus when using equipment they've already purchased. One example comes from Deutsche Bank, which extended its SAP environment with cloud and network possibilities, but kept some information on custom servers for a better availability if it was needed quick.

    Another way businesses are changing is by innovating new uses for the cloud. The days of a company moving to the cloud specifically because of money are over. Now, businesses are more concerned about finding new ways to integrate it into their current practices. T-Mobile is using the cloud in conjunction with those in its IT jobs to expand its customer relationship management software, also working to actively listen to their customers on Twitter, Facebook and more.

    Most important is that entire platforms, not just aspects of a business, will change. This ranges in some ways, but most companies will look at broader cloud processes and expand their applications to meet more up-to-date needs.