Cloud computing implementation explained: A tale of two SMEs

Abstract

Cloud computing is applauded as a promising IT solution for SMEs which are generally constrained by limited time, expertise and resources. However cloud implementation is a complex and evolutionary process. It is further complicated by the cloud technological characteristics, organizational contexts and concerns outside an organizational boundary. How can SMEs approach their cloud implementation in a sensible manner and achieve expected results? This article recounts the experience of two SMEs and proposes a cloud implementation framework that can potentially help small and medium SaaS providers to better leverage cloud infrastructure to support their business goals and eventually benefit from their cloud infrastructure.