Cloud Computing Adoption: A Cross-Continent Overview of Challenges

Abstract

Cloud computing continues to dominate information and communication technology (ICT) strategies globally through the provision of remote access to computing resources via the internet. With its inherent pay-per usage model, flexibility, scalability and other features, cloud computing is also set to transform economic activities around the world. This paper analyses and compares the challenges facing the adoption of cloud computing from a geo-regional context; Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. An institutional theory perspective is used as framework for analysis. Findings from Norway in Europe and Nigeria in sub-Saharan Africa show that there are several challenges to cloud computing adoption in both places that are similar but impact on adoption decisions in different ways. For instance, the key adoption issues used as bases for comparison in Norway viz. security, privacy and trust, cost, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), government policies and regulations, and loss of control over data can all inhibit or pose as hindrances to cloud computing adoption. Contrarily, in Nigeria, these issues are not seen as inhibiting cloud computing adoption. Furthermore, the findings show the profound effect of normative and coercive pressures in Norway that can impact negatively on adoption decisions and theabsence of such pressures in Nigeria which seem to have a positive influence on adoption at present.Keywords: Cloud Computing; Adoption; Europe; Sub-saharan Africa; Institutional Theory