Diagramming the Evolution of Computing

Recently we spotted the diagram shown here on Juha Harkonen’s Growth Strategies blog. (Click the image to see a larger version on his blog.)

Web Based and Cloud Connnected

The diagram shows key trends in the evolution of computing. What is not illustrated are the benefits of combining technologies. Just like inventors of today benefit from the the past hundred years of science, mankind benefits the most when technologies such as cloud computing and web based computing are combined.

The combination of web based computing and Cloud computing delivers an ideal platform for ERP and other enterprise application software. The web provides social networking, device independence, anywhere/anytime access, and much more. The Cloud provides scalability, hardware savings, and connectivity so web applications can do more with less money.

The Next Cloud

In 2010 Cloud and SaaS received a lot of attention in the media. In 2011, the attention is moving from the media to the actual delivery of services. The diagram suggests that Cloud will continue to grow through 2020, but some 2020 predictions are here today! Platform as a service (PaaS) is being delivered by Windows Azure and companies are offering services and running applications on it. There is work to be done in terms of offering utility-like platforms as well as standards for development on Cloud, but my advice is to start now because the standards will be ready much sooner than 2020.