Skip to content
The Cloud

The cloud

Put simply, cloud computing is the storing and accessing of data, as well as programs, using the internet instead of a computer’s hard drive. The cloud allows servers, storage and applications to be delivered to an organisation’s computers and devices through the internet.

Large computer

The 1950s

In the 50s computers were huge, occupying entire rooms. They cost a ridiculous amount to purchase and maintain. The solution was “time sharing” allowing multiple users shared access to data and CPU time. This was the premise of cloud computing.


The 1960s

In 1969, J.C.R Licklider developed the ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) – the network that became the basis of the internet. His vision was “for everyone on the globe to be interconnected and accessing programs and data at any site, from anywhere”.

Virtual Machine

The 1970s

The 1970s saw IBM releasing an operating system, known as a VM (Virtual Machine) that allowed admins to have multiple virtual systems or “virtual machines” on a single physical node. The VM operating system took the 50s “time sharing” model to the next level and many basic functions commonly used today can be traced back to this early version.


The 1990s

Telecommunications companies began offering virtualised private network connections. This change enabled traffic to be shifted as necessary to allow for better network balance and more control over bandwidth usage. Throughout the 90s, online virtualisation for PC-based systems had begun as the internet became more accessible.


The 2000s

Cloud usage became prominent in the 2000s. Corporate solutions from organisations such as IBM and Oracle became popular, with services such as ‘Infrastructure as a service’, ‘Platform as a service’ and ‘Software as a service’ offered to businesses. Consumer use also exploded through products such as Apple’s iCloud, Google Apps and Dropbox.

Usage today

With benefits such as increased flexibility, disaster recovery, better tools for collaboration, as well as the ability to allow employees to work from anywhere, it’s no surprise that the cloud usage is growing and growing. It’s estimated an incredible 1 Exabyte (1b GB) of data is currently stored in the cloud with 82% of companies reportedly saving money since switching.




businesses are using some form of cloud computing platform for emails, storage, and much more.


of businesses use more than one type of cloud computing service with most using four.


$150 billion

The future

Experts are predicting that cloud usage in the future is going to get bigger and bigger. With the technology becoming more robust, security constantly improving, businesses across the world are leaning towards the cloud to power their IT infrastructure. In 2015, the end-user spend on cloud services could top $180 billion with cloud vendors growing by at least 50% per annum.


of all information technology is predicted to be in the cloud within five to ten years.


predicted to be the cloud equipment market worth by 2018.


market share for hybrid clouds in the next five years, higher than public and private.

Developed by

Onyx Group

Sources: Computer Weekly, Thoughts on Cloud, Forbes, Business 2 Community, Cloud Tweaks, Mashable