Examines the value of cloud computing adoption as a proxy for IT flexibility and effectiveness

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the value of cloud computing adoption (CCA) as a proxy for information technology (IT) flexibility (ITF) and IT effectiveness (ITE) among Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Jordan. Design/methodology/approach A research framework with five hypotheses has been developed based on the results of previous studies. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling has been used for data analysis. Findings The results revealed that elements of ITF in two domains, IT technical resource (connectivity, modularityand compatibility) and IT human resource (IT personnel skills) specific to CCA, were significantly correlated with ITE. Research limitations/implications The findings have crucial implications: they contribute to the research community, administrators and cloud computing providers (CSPs) concerning the framework-improved procedure for CCA. The proposed model can enhance the awareness of service providers about why some SMEs accept cloud computing services, whereas actually the same ones having the same type of business do not. In addition, the above providers should enhance their interaction with the SMEs that contributed to the cloud computing knowledge to make a well-organized setting for the CCA, specifically, SMEs need that adopt an on-premise private cloud architecture. Moreover, necessary to determine the challenges in deploying solutions from the perspective of CSPs. The sample has been limited to Jordan respondents. Practical implications The research studies about the usage of cloud computing have shown its effects on SMEs today. Also, the different impacts of cloud computing on other sectors are at the center of attention. SMEs could get significant advantages by carefully considering and managing CCA from the ITF and ITE perspective. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to develop a framework for CCA based on the standpoint of ITF in two domains, IT technical resources (connectivity, modularity and compatibility) and IT human resources (IT personnel skills) and effectiveness.