SMEs' perception of cloud computing: Potential and security

Abstract

Cloud computing is a new paradigm for emerging technology in the computing and IT industries. Cloud computing offers a new pathway for business agility and supports a faster time to market by offering ready-to-consume cloud-based IT services. SMEs can wisely take advantage of the cloud computing services, without the need for upfront costs. The perception of cloud computing from an SME stance is explored. The potential and concerns surrounding the adoption of cloud computing are discussed. A survey of SMEs conducted in the UK by the authors shows SMEs interests in exploiting the cloud computing services, but there are still some concerns with regards to security and vendor lock-in. This could have affected the speed of cloud computing being adopted. © 2012 International Federation for Information Processing.