Exploring the impact of Cloud Computing adoption on organizational flexibility: A client perspective

Abstract

Today's turbulent business environment poses a challenge of survival for all organizations. Flexibility to adapt to these changes is the key to success. Role of Information Technology innovations like Cloud Computing cannot be denied in achieving organizational flexibility. Introduction of cloud computing has changed the manner in which Information Technology services are delivered to the client, especially in terms of the IT services as utility. This study aims to understand the cloud computing adoption drivers and its impact on organizational flexibility. Case study approach was used for the study. Responses from ten Indian IT professionals from different organizations of various sectors were analyzed. Results suggest that decision to adopt cloud computing depends on factors like Relative Advantage, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Vendor Credibility and organization's Attitude towards Using Technology. The survey also indicates that impact of cloud computing on organizational flexibility can be categorized as economic flexibility, process flexibility, performance flexibility and market flexibility.