How The Cloud Is Changing The Internet
Although the concept of cloud computing has been with us since the late 20th century, its influence on programmers, developers and the internet as a whole only really became obvious during the last few years. As connection speeds have increased, the flexibility offered by cloud-hosted services is finally beginning to look compelling.
The term ‘cloud computing’ first entered public circulation in 2006, when it was used at a conference by Google’s CEO. Even then, the cloud already existed in concepts like social media platforms and web mail. Information that displayed on a user’s screen wasn’t necessarily stored there, even though the general public often assumed it was. And while cloud hosting posed challenges across flaky 3G and dial-up internet connections, ever-improving broadband connectivity has provided a solid platform for hosting virtual services. The advent of 4G has further democratized cloud access, with a reliance on Dropbox and WeTransfer entirely manageable even on the move. Some small firms even trust their online presence to web mail and social media, rather than proprietary websites or email addresses.
Cloud Comforts
From storage to streaming, the general public has become comfortable with the cloud, despite rarely understanding issues like the differences between cloud hosting and shared hosting. Websites have evolved from basic text and pixelated photographs hosted on a private server, into responsive platforms with real-time updates and collaborative cloud-hosted tools like Slack. The popularity of Chromebooks reflects how consumers can happily live without sizable hard drives, providing they can go online to access services and programs.
The programs themselves have changed, too. Not so long ago, software was shipped on CDs or DVDs and installed onto a single device with a licence. As a process, little had changed since the 1980s. Today, industry titans like Adobe and Microsoft cloud host their most popular software packages. Cloud-hosted version control software is widely available. Especially considering the Git system. The Git system was created by Linux founder Linus Torvalds. It is used to move developer code bases online. It’s even possible to download plugins like WP Cloud for the all-conquering WordPress site building platform, creating a personal space for file storage within a second-level domain.
Cloud vs Shared Hosting
Few people would dispute the cloud represents a better storage medium than the discs it has replaced,. But there is a keener debate about the rival merits and differences between cloud hosting and shared hosting. The best option for a client often comes down to budgetary constraints, with shared hosting still cheaper and more popular. But just as the cloud has revolutionized our online gaming activities, so cloud hosting is will grow in popularity. Cloud prices decrease and consumers are more accustomed to accessing data online.
A difference between cloud hosting and shared hosting is the cloud’s ability to harness numerous servers. This offers unlimited expansion for firms whose online traffic is experiencing organic traffic growth or periodic spikes. This flexibility reflects the cloud’s finest achievement. The cloud frees people from having to use a specific device in one place. As society becomes more reliant on mobile connectivity, the cloud will continue to increase its influence over developers and consumers. Its effect on the internet is far from finished.