A Survey on Strategic Issues in Cloud Computing Adoption

Abstract

The advent of cloud computing in recent years has sparked an interest from different organizations, institutions and users to take advantage of web applications. Cloud Computing is a paradigm shift in IT services delivery. This shift promises large gains in agility, efficiency and flexibility at a time when demands on data centers are growing exponentially. This is a result of the new economic model for the Information Technology (IT) department that cloud computing promises. The model promises a shift from an organization required to invest heavily for limited IT resources that are internally managed, to a model where the organization can buy or rent resources that are managed by a cloud provider, and pay per use. Cloud computing also promises scalability of resources and on-demand availability of resources.

Although, the adoption of cloud computing promises various benefits to an organization, a successful adoption of cloud computing in an organization requires an understanding of different dynamics and expertise in diverse domains. Currently, there are inadequate guidelines for adopting cloud computing and building trust. Therefore, this research project aims at developing a roadmap called ROCCA (Roadmap for Cloud Computing Adoption), which provides organizations with a number of steps for adopting cloud computing and building trust. An associated framework called ROCCA Achievement Framework (RAF) is also proposed. RAF is a framework that uses the criteria in the ROCCA to build a framework for measuring the adherence level to the proposed roadmap.

This research paper focuses on a range of strategic issues from a broad cross section of areas of expertise required to ensure a successful cloud computing adoption. It presents in detail the technological factors key to a successful cloud computing adoption, and it introduces the technology underlying cloud computing, and describes different cloud computing delivery and deployment models.

It explains how an emphasis on collaboration between clients and vendor is essential for successful adoption of cloud computing. If the organization feels free, confident and secure to use cloud services then it is more likely that the adoption rate will increase. By following the guidelines outlined, organizations can ensure that their adoption of cloud computing are effective, efficient and provides a high degree of satisfaction. This dissertation also covers cloud computing from a business perspective, ensuring that cloud computing adoption projects are fully costed, and risks are properly understood.