The Evolution of Cloud Computing

John McCarthy and Utility Computing

• John McCarthy proposed the concept of computing as a utility in 1961.
• Suggested that computing resources could be provided similarly to other utilities like water or electricity.

Emergence of Cloud Computing

• Cloud computing concepts emerged from the need for scalable resources and services.
• Driven by advancements in internet technology and the desire for on-demand resource allocation.

Characteristics of Client/Server Computing

• Client/server computing architecture involves a system where client devices request resources or services from centralized servers.
• Promotes efficient management and allocation of resources across multiple users.

Challenges to McCarthy's Vision

• The immediate realization of McCarthy's vision was hindered by technological limitations in the 1960s.
• Factors included inadequate network infrastructure and limited processing capabilities of the time.

Distributed Computing Concepts

• Distributed computing involves networks of independent computers communicating and sharing resources to complete tasks.
• Enables collaborative processing and redundancy, enhancing overall system reliability and performance.

Explore the evolution of cloud computing from the era of client/server computing with this quiz. Test your knowledge of the history and key concepts behind the shift towards decentralized storage and access to software applications and data.