The Cloud enables resource exchange across devices via the internet. Devices, including tablets, desktops, computers, servers, laptops, and smartphones, sync up with network components. Thus, these devices can monitor data points, access content, communicate with each other, perform financial exchanges, store information (e.g. documents, images, etc.), identify their location and user, and more – all through applications, platforms, and infrastructure that may be accessed remotely. Now, the Cloud simply isn’t possible without networking, and modern Cloud storage is almost entirely dependent on the internet, networks across the globe, and data storage centers and servers. Let’s take a look at the meaning of the Cloud, early Cloud storage, and the growth of the Cloud, as provided by Galalee Software Solutions, Washington’s premier Cloud hosting solutions provider.
What Is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage is storage that can be accessed anywhere, at anytime. Need to access a work server to view and manipulate financial data? You can do that remotely through Cloud computing. Running a complex application through a smartphone? Cloud storage can contain heavily demanding portions of that application, alleviating your device from the need for a robust computer processing unit. The Cloud enables relatively simple devices to perform otherwise impossible tasks. When you tap into Cloud servers and storage, you empower your devices.
Beyond that, the Cloud is a secure storage solution. While a power failure can be catastrophic for stored information (perhaps information stored within a personal computer), Cloud storage infrastructures are designed to be fail-safe. Cloud computing providers can build data backup systems into their server structure. These servers also usually have a backup power source, preventing data loss even during a power outage. So, in short, the Cloud is a secure way to empower devices and users to perform complex, demanding computational functions – all from any place at any time.
Early Cloud Storage
Cloud computing, though it wasn’t known as Cloud computing at the time, began in its crudest form in the 1970s thanks to companies like IBM, GE, and DEC. Data sharing and operations were performed over platforms such as Multics, an early server system that enabled multiple users to run operations on a single computing unit. While tasks were relatively simple in comparison to modern Cloud computing, users utilized a network to tap into a computer that was more powerful than their individual device.
Exponential Growth
Since the 70s and especially in the 90s, cloud computing techniques began to become optimized. End users could run individual applications through a network infrastructure, thus relying on remote computing power to perform operations. However, true cloud computing didn’t really take off until the turn of the millennium. In the aughts of the 21st century, Cloud-based infrastructures allowed more and more real-time interactivity. End users began to utilize the cloud to run common computing operations. IT centers built servers whose software and hardware infrastructures were optimally designed to economize end user interaction. These infrastructures shifted the software and hardware industry so that storage and computation could be a service provided by a Cloud server. Cloud storage has grown exponentially. According to the Cisco Global Cloud Index, in the year 2013, there were just under 2 exabytes of storage existing in Cloud form (An exabyte is equivalent to one billion gigabytes). Since then, Cloud storage has nearly doubled year after year. In 2017, it’s estimated that there will by about 14 exabytes of cloud storage in operation around the globe (according to this PennMutual article). Cloud storage is effectively consuming the storage market, surpassing traditional storage methods in storage volume by about threefold. In short, Cloud computing and Cloud storage are booming, and they’re part of a trend that doesn’t appear to have an end.
Galalee Cloud Storage Solutions
Galalee provides Cloud Application Hosting and Virtual Desktop Services, putting the power of our servers in your hands. With our Cloud solutions, you can expand the boundaries of how you operate your business. Collaborate with colleagues remotely. Work from home. Build and utilize complex applications. Jump onto a virtual desktop to operate your personal computer just as you would with a work computer. Galalee’s Cloud Storage is also safe and secure. A computer crash won’t leave you with lost data. With Galalee, you can grow your business securely, economically, and efficiently. Learn more about our Cloud server solutions.
