Factors influencing quality and performance of cloud computing platforms defined by personal users in South Africa

Abstract

Cloud computing changed our way of doing things because we now maintain our systems and data on global online platforms. The research aimed to investigate the predictive factors determining the quality of personal users' cloud computing and their effect on platform performance. The study adopted a cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative design conducted within South African communities and received 254 responses, a response rate of 66.1%. The measurement model (SRMR = 0.071) results demonstrated that cost-effectiveness, reliability, flexibility, availability, security effectiveness, and scalability collectively define the quality of cloud computing platforms utilized by personal users. AVE (0.575 – 0.694), CR (0.844 – 0.901), Fornell-Larcker criterion, and cross-loadings confirmed convergent validity, reliability, and discriminant validity. Security effectiveness, scalability, and reliability have a statistically significant effect on platform performance with small to medium effect sizes. The theoretical implication is an enhanced domestication theory of technology based on cloud computing, thus providing insights into the needs required to fit within the prevailing environment and context. In addition, it helped understand the personal users' decisions on cloud computing. The study enhances cloud computing at a personal level through understanding that the decision and value may differ from well-researched organizational levels.