“The complexity for minimum component costs has increased at a rate of roughly a factor of two per year. Certainly over the short term this rate can be expected to continue, if not to increase.”[1]
This is the famous "Moore's Law" that has driven much of the computer industry for the last 50 years. But in his article Moore also said:
“The advantages of integration will bring about a proliferation of electronics, pushing this science into many new areas. Integrated circuits will lead to such wonders as home computers, or at least terminals connected to a central computer, automatic controls for automobiles, and personal portable communications equipment. The electronic wristwatch needs only a display to be feasible today. But the biggest potential lies in the production of large systems. In telephone communications, integrated circuits in digital filters will separate channels on multiplex equipment. Integrated circuits will also switch telephone circuits and perform data processing.”
So along with the PC, smart cars, and the cell phones, could Moore be credited with foreseeing cloud computing?
[1] Moore, Gordon E. (1965). "Cramming more components onto integrated circuits". Electronics Magazine. Volume 38, Number 8, April 18, 1965. pp. 4
