Evaluating the benefits of Cloud Computing in Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs)

Abstract

Abstract Cloud computing is becoming an essential tool in lowering Information Technology (IT) costs amongst Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs). As such amongst a myriad of challenges, SMMEs are faced with a general lack of resource capability including the lack of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure and skills. This further disables the SMMEs ability to compete with big business and industry peers. As such cloud computing offers SMMEs the ability to access high level ICT services either through SaaS (Software-as-a-Service), PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) or IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) service delivery models. Cloud computing adoption amongst SMMEs is relevant in the sense that SMMEs can realise the full benefits of reduced capital expenditure, improved access to ICT systems, heightened security of data and low costs for agile development amongst a myriad of cloud computing benefits. The overall intention is to ensure that SMMEs always have access to updated ICT services through the cloud, without having the burden of maintaining ICT infrastructure in-house. Based on this interpretation, this study analysed factors affecting cloud computing adoption amongst SMMEs, by use of a Conceptual Research Model based on the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. This was informed by a survey distributed to SMMEs within the Ngaka Modiri Molema and Bojanala Platinum Districts of the North West Province. The results of this study will assist SMMEs to make informed decisions on adopting cloud computing practices in their organisations.