Cloud Computing Adoption Business Model Factors: Does Enterprise Size Matter?

Abstract

This paper presents the results of research investigating the impact of business factors on cloud computing adoption. The introduced research model consists of 40 cloud computing business model factors, grouped into eight factor groups, identified from prior research and interviews with cloud computing providers and users. Defined business model factors were estimated to have an impact on cloud computing adoption in companies. Their impact and importance of cloud computing adoption were investigated among companies in Slovenia. Furthermore, differences in opinion according to company size were investigated. The HO1 hypothesis stating all business model factor groups have the same impact on cloud computing adoption has been confirmed. There are no statistically significant impacts of investigated business model factor groups to cloud computing adoption. Nevertheless, based on slope coefficient directions and t statistics values, some factor groups can be recognized as having moderate or strong, positive impact on cloud computing adoption; although their impact cannot be statistically confirmed with 95% or 90% levels of confidence. Furthermore, significant differences in opinion about the importance of business model factor groups and factors to cloud computing adoption according to company size have been identified. The results represent a contribution to the theory of cloud computing adoption from the perspective of the provider’s business model. In addition, findings provide orientation for innovation of existing business models towards the creation of a customer-oriented business model for more successful exploitation of cloud computing services and new business opportunities.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.28.3.17422