Management issues with cloud computing : a small, micro and medium enterprises perspective using the technology, organisation and environment framework

Abstract

Cloud Computing (CC) can transform how small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) do business by providing them with resources such as software, hardware and platforms to develop their own applications on a pay per use basis. CC offers advantages such as low cost, improved access to resources, scalability, no need for installation, upgrades and maintenance, improved communication, improved data storage, reduced need for information technology (ICT) personnel, automatic updates, anytime anywhere access, high availability and low infrastructure requirements etc. Although CC has many benefits that SMMEs can enjoy, it also has limitations, and these limitations are preventing SMMEs from adopting CC. One of the main reasons why SMMEs are reluctant to adopt CC is their lack of awareness of the benefits and limitations of CC and how to reduce or avoid these limitations. This research identified the benefits and limitations of CC to create awareness among SMMEs, specifically Financial Service Providers (FSPs) and assist them to find ways to avoid the limitations. The usage of CC among FSPs is still low, and the FSPs currently using CC are using it mainly for general business activities while their core business activities are still performed using legacy systems. This research also found that FSPs have no training programmes in place to provide their employees with the needed skills to use CC effectively. The various service models of CC were also discussed in detail in this research. It was found that SaaS is the standard service model among the participating FSPs, and none of the participating FSPs is not using PaaS. This research collected data using interviews to provide answers to the research questions; the data was analysed using thematic analysis., This research resulted in a framework being developed, referred to as ‘FSPCLOUD’, that aims at assisting FSPs in their adoption, implementation and continued use of CC. If the FSPs can successfully implement FSPCLOUD, it can improve their chances of implementing CC successfully.