Title: A decision process model to support migration to cloud computing

Authors: Adel Alkhalil; Reza Sahandi; David John

Addresses: Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK ' Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK ' Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK

Abstract: Migration to cloud computing is a strategic organisational decision that can affect performance, productivity, growth, as well as increase competitiveness. The decision to migrate is usually complicated and dynamic due to the immaturity and the still evolving nature of the cloud environment. Although there have been many proposed methods for supporting the migration, no systematic decision process exists that clearly identifies the main steps and explicitly describes the tasks to be performed within each step. In this paper, a decision-making process model, based on a two-stage survey, is proposed. The model guides decision makers through a step-by-step approach, aiding them with their decisions for cloud migration. It offers a preliminary structure for developing a cloud knowledge-based decision support system. The model was evaluated by a group of cloud practitioners. The analysis demonstrates a high level of acceptance with regard to the structure, tasks involved and issues addressed by it.

Keywords: information systems; cloud computing; cloud migration; decision making process; cloud DSS; decision support systems; cloud security; cloud KBS; knowledge-based systems; process modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIS.2017.080948

International Journal of Business Information Systems, 2017 Vol.24 No.1, pp.102 - 126

Received: 30 Apr 2015
Accepted: 13 Jul 2015
Published online: 13 Dec 2016 *

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