Abstract
This exploratory article tests the applicability of existing cloud computing adoption models, targeted primarily toward larger organizations, in supporting Irish small and medium-sized enterprises in transitioning to the cloud computing environment. Further, the article examines benefits realized from cloud adoption. Based on a quantitative research approach, the study’s findings indicate that existing cloud adoption frameworks are not suitable “as is” for the small- and medium-sized enterprise market. This provides strong justification for developing small- and medium-sized enterprise-specific frameworks for managing cloud migration.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Marian Carcary
Marian Carcary (PhD, MSc, BBS(Hons)) is a research fellow with the Innovation Value Institute, Maynooth University, Ireland. She researches the development of an IT Capability Maturity Framework (IT-CMF), and has worked on both national and European-funded projects. Her research interests center on cloud computing and drivers and challenges surrounding business value realization by SMEs. Prior to this position, she taught in a number of Irish tertiary education institutions. Both her MSc and PhD research were funded by Irish Research Council scholarships. She has presented her research at numerous international conferences and published in peer-reviewed academic journals.
Eileen Doherty
Eileen Doherty (PhD, MSc CIS, BSc(Hons)) is a research fellow at the Innovation Value Institute, Maynooth University, Ireland. She researches in the areas of IT-CMF development; cloud computing; IT strategic planning; business planning; user experience design; and research, development, and engineering. Prior to this, she undertook her PhD in the area of broadband adoption by Irish SMEs. She has lectured in such areas as e-business, e-marketing, and e-CRM. Additionally, she has almost 10 years of industry experience in a variety of IT roles, such as product and marketing management, and as an independent IT consultant in Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Gerard Conway
Gerard Conway (MSc, BSc, ITIL Manager certification) works as a senior researcher at the Innovation Value Institute, Maynooth University, Ireland. His research interests include cloud computing, delivering better IT services and solutions that match business requirements, and the commoditization of IT. He has over 30 years of experience in the Information Technology industry. Before joining IVI, he was a researcher with DERI (Digital Enterprise Research Institute) at NUI Galway and, previously, a manager with HP with responsibility for delivering complex integrated global IT solutions.
Stephen McLaughlin
Stephen McLaughlin (PhD, MSc, MBA, BEng, CEng FIET) is Head of Research and Development at IVI. Prior to this position, Stephen was a senior research fellow at the University of Glasgow and Deputy Director of the Complex Service Innovation Research Network (CSIRN). Stephen holds an Honorary Senior Research Fellowship position with the University of Glasgow. He has over 20 years of management experience and most recently held a senior management position within IBM (UK). His research interests include knowledge management strategies for complex organizations, process innovation and supply chains, service operations management, and development of sustainable service innovation.