Title: Cloud computing adoption decision modelling for SMEs: a conjoint analysis

Authors: Salim Al-Isma'ili; Mengxiang Li; Jun Shen; Qiang He

Addresses: School of Computing and Information Technology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia ' School of Computing and Information Technology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia ' School of Computing and Information Technology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia ' School of Software and Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia

Abstract: Cloud computing is an emerging technology that promises competitive advantages, cost savings, enhanced business processes and services, and various other benefits to enterprises. Despite the rapid technological advancement, the adoption of cloud computing is still growing slowly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This paper presents a model to support the decision-making process, using a multi-criteria decision method PAPRIKA for the socio-technical aspects influencing SMEs cloud adoption decision. Due to the multifaceted nature of the cloud computing adoption process, the evaluation of various cloud services and deployment models have become a major challenge. This paper presents a systematic approach to evaluating cloud computing services and deployment models. Subsequently, we have conducted conjoint analysis activities with five SMEs decision makers as part of the distribution process of this decision modelling based on predetermined criteria. With the help of the proposed model, cloud services and deployment models can be ranked and selected.

Keywords: cloud adoption; cloud services; PAPRIKA; multicriteria decision making; MCDM; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; cloud computing; decision modelling; conjoint analysis; socio-technical aspects; deployment models.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWGS.2016.079157

International Journal of Web and Grid Services, 2016 Vol.12 No.3, pp.296 - 327

Received: 21 Dec 2015
Accepted: 02 Jun 2016

Published online: 14 Sep 2016 *

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