Cloud computing in high tech startups: evidence from a case study

ABSTRACT

This paper focuses on the implementation of cloud-based systems in startups to answer how and why hi-tech startups use cloud computing, an overlooked question to date. Thus, referring to an extended version of Ross and Blumenstein [2015. “Cloud Computing as a Facilitator of SME Entrepreneurship.” Technology Analysis & Strategic Management 27 (1): 87–101] framework, encompassing issues of context and culture following Spanò et al. [2019. “Context, Culture and Control: A Case Study on Accounting Change in an Italian Regional Health Service.” Journal of Management and Governance. doi:10.1007/s10997-019-09458-0], we analyse cloud adoption in startup firms and rely upon a case study of an Italian hi-tech startup. The case study allowed us to tap into the main issues relating to cloud implementation that is increased opportunities, reduced costs, scalability, access to global markets, and access to international venture capital. The results offer interesting insights to the literature on cloud computing, and also have some managerial implications in that they better unfold the effects played by context and culture.

KEYWORDS:

• Cloud computing
• hi-tech startup
• Italy
• case study

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Luca Ferri holds a PhD in Accounting from the University of Naples Federico II and is Assistant Professor in Accounting at the Department of Economics, Management, Institutions of the University of Naples Federico II. His current research interests include emerging technologies, risks, information systems and cloud computing. He is interested in quantitative methodologies for Accounting, Management information systems and risks research.

Rosanna Spanò holds a PhD in Health Care Management and is Assistant Professor of Accounting at the Department of Economics, Management, Institutions of the University of Naples Federico II, where she actively undertakes research and teaching activities. Her research broadly looks at Accounting, management accounting and Organizational change in complex and multifaceted contexts.

Andrea Tomo holds a PhD in Organization Studies from the University of Naples Federico II and is Assistant Professor in Organization Studies at the Department of Economics, Management, Institutions of the University of Naples Federico II. His current research interests include innovation in professional service firms and public sector, emerging technologies, information systems and cloud computing. He is interested in qualitative methodologies for Organizational change in complex and multifaceted contexts.

ORCID

Luca Ferri http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3889-6282

Rosanna Spanò http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0557-3011

Andrea Tomo http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3013-2827