An assessment of cloud computing readiness in the Namibian government's Information Technology departments

Abstract

Cloud computing is becoming a popular solution for business challenges such as the cost of infrastructure and software; accessibility of services and limited storage space; and as such many organizations including the public sector are embracing it the world over. The cloud technology extends existing Information Technology (IT) potentials without incurring much investment costs. Notwithstanding the benefits associated with cloud technology, the paradigm faces challenges mostly related to security issues such as data leakage, data segregation and legal implications. In Namibia, the government in particular, is faced with serious challenges related to the maintenance of IT infrastructures, high support outsourcing costs and tedious infrastructural procurement processes. Studies elsewhere have shown that such challenges can be solved through the adoption of cloud computing. This paper aims to assess the adoption readiness for cloud based services in the Namibian government. The research employed a qualitative research approach using a case study of three government institutions namely: Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, and Regional Councils. The study revealed that officials of the Namibian government are ready to adopt cloud computing as they have perceived that cloud computing is beneficial to government productivity. However, the study also revealed that the government officials were skeptical about the adoption of cloud computing due to the perceived challenges mostly linked to security issues. The findings will contribute to Namibia's Vision 2030 that of connecting all citizens by providing services through new technological horizons.