Cloud computing – it’s a fancy tech term we’ve all probably heard of. But what exactly is it? According to Amazon, cloud computing is when data is stored and processed on a network of remote servers instead of on a personal computer or local server. If you’ve ever used Google Drive or Apple iCloud, those are examples of cloud storage. It’s fair to say cloud computing is a substantial part of our tech lives, with an influence that is positioned to only grow.
The Data of Tomorrow
In the future, it’s likely that cloud computing will be the default way to store information, especially for companies. It’s a safe way to protect important documents in case of problems with an employee’s personal computer, as well as to easily share and access items between individuals. There are some drawsides, too; a business’ workflow will depend entirely on their internet connection speed to access their information, and if a major cloud storage provider ran into technical issues, it could have ripples throughout the economy. But never fear – experts believe that the future of cloud computing is likely to be hybrid, with companies using both public and private cloud networks, as to mitigate this risk.
We’re already seeing cloud computing begin to take over our devices, starting with simple notifications and apps we use. There is less need for the individual device’s storage and more emphasis on connectivity and integration. In the future, our everyday gadgets might get smaller and smaller as there becomes less need for extensive software, but rather access to the cloud.
New Frontiers Bring New Problems
Service providers will have to solve new challenges, too: as cloud computing becomes the norm, businesses and individuals alike will have an ever-increasing need for a stable IT infrastructure, new data management solutions, and perhaps most importantly, advanced encryption to protect their data. Information security will be a huge concern moving forward, and innovations in this field will surely be expected in order for the cloud to remain a trusted storage option.
In the long term, cloud computing might give way to quantum computing. This could switch storage and tech options over to simple everyday items, such as the clothes we wear, replacing the need for separate devices. While this future seems exciting, we have a long way to go before quantum computing becomes a mainstream accessory. It’s clear that, at least for the foreseeable future, cloud computing is here to stay.
