Investigating the factors affecting the adoption of cloud computing in smes: A case study of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Cloud computing technology offers promising business advantages for small and medium-sized enterprises. In Saudi Arabia, the adoption of cloud computing by SMEs has so far occurred relatively slowly. This study investigates the factors affecting the adoption of cloud computing by SMEs in Saudi Arabia. A sample of fourteen interviews conducted with IT experts provides a foundation for exploring new factors that affect this decision, as incorporated into a conceptual model developed for this study. This model draws on the Technology-Organisation-Environment framework but adjusted based on new contextual factors. Factors such as the duration of software implementation, software integration, and software customisation guided this study. Furthermore, experts were of the view that other factors such as culture and technology infrastructure also impacted the adoption of cloud computing among SMEs. This study bridges the gap in the literature on cloud computing adoption with new evidence from the unexplored context of Saudi Arabia.