Pioneers Of Cloud Computing

If you take a casual or passing interest in the world of technology and computing, you have probably come across the term “cloud computing.” If you’re unsure what cloud computing is, just think of it simply as data storage that isn’t held on your device.

So, for example, if you have e-mails stored within your account, they are heavily encrypted and secure. Still, you can access them from multiple devices, if necessary, due to the benefits of cloud computing. It is a type of storage that has exploded in popularity, given that half the planet now owns a smartphone. However, people often wonder where all the data goes, all the images, videos, and documents that people write and compile – and most end up in cloud storage.

Without this specialist type of information repository, the internet and smartphone industry expansion over the last 15 to 20 years may have been much smaller and less impactful. So, who are some of the pioneering inventors we have to thank for completely remolding the world we live in today thanks to their expertise in cloud computing development?

What Is Cloud Computing Used For?

It’d be pointless to frame this conversation as though cloud computing is solely used for mobile phones. While it does play a considerable part in the growth of technology, there are dozens more real-life, practical use cases to discuss. Cloud computing has changed many industries immeasurably. For example, the banking sector uses cloud computing to help them on different levels, such as adhering to regulatory requirements to secure data storage.

Another industry that has benefitted immensely from cloud computing is the casino industry, which has been able to control information better and provide more enhanced levels of security to its customers. A company that offers online blackjack in Australia, for example, occupies a specific gambling area that has grown exponentially also because of cloud computing. Such companies can provide a secure backdrop for gamblers to have their financial and personal information held in a fashion that makes it unbelievably difficult for criminals to access or exploit.

Pioneers In the Field

Computer scientists write lengthy books, texts, and dissertations about the wonderful world of cloud computing. It would be impossible for us to cover all the benefits and pioneers on our page today. Still, you can briefly look at the list below to see who some of the big hitters have allowed the industry to flourish as one of the most innovative areas of the burgeoning technology sector.

Werner Vogels

The Dutch-born Amazon CTO (Chief Technology Officer) is one of the most prominent names in cloud computing. In 2010 he was named Cloud’s Most Influential Executive and is often ranked as the top CTO in the world due to the scale and success of his cloud computing visions that he has developed over the last three decades. During this period, he was no stranger to the media and often conducted interviews outlining his ambitious plans, which he executed perfectly.

He played his part in turning Amazon into the world’s biggest company by the end of the 2010s, and embracing the advances in computing and technology played an integral role in this meteoric rise.

Frank Frankovsky

As one of the most influential names in cloud computing who was part of a broader expansion of Facebook in the early 2010s, Frankovsky had the vision to align data centers to become more efficient by utilizing the benefits of cloud technology. Having worked at substantial multinational companies such as Dell and Facebook, Frank is well equipped to steer the corporate ship toward a world where their information storage is more secure and better streamlined.

Frankovsky’s inspired vision to sell rack-mount servers at Dell to internet powerhouses such as Google to host the enormous amounts of data collected meant that a collection of servers could better insulate these mega-corporations and store their data more efficiently.

Marc Benioff

As the highest-profile name on our list, Benioff is one of the most dynamic and innovative figures in the computing world. Moreover, he is arguably the most prominent pioneer in the ever-expanding field of SaaS (Software as a Service), a vision he set out nearly 30 years ago when not as many people were as keen to follow his lead in the industry.

The San Francisco-born billionaire is the CEO of SalesForce, as you probably already know. However, his aggressive marketing strategy to use SaaS as a fresh way for businesses to store and manage data has struck a chord. As of early 2023, the company is valued at over $150 billion and is one of the leading names in the software industry.

Although many experts talked about the benefits of cloud computing at the turn of the Century, Benioff used his computing expertise and natural business acumen to sell his product to some of the world’s leading companies. If you work in an office space, customer service, or sales, you will have likely used Benioff’s products without even realizing such is the scope of his influence.