A systematic literature review of factors affecting cloud computing adoption internationally

Abstract

Context: The adoption of cloud computing in small and medium size organisations has become a significant trend in today’s information technology. Therefore, there is a requirement to identify possible security challenges and guidelines for the researchers based on the adoption. Keeping in view of these elements, a systematic literature review (SLR) of cloud computing adoption in businesses and organisations was conducted. Goal: The main purpose of this research is to identify the possible opportunities, challenges, factors and guidelines for the evaluation and adoption of cloud computing (CC) for organisations intending to adopt or already using CC. Method: ASLR is conducted to achieve the above goals. The search process of this literature review used quality scholarly databases such as ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, Inspec, Springer, Google Scholar, Researchgate, Google Books and Wolverhampton University Online Library(8 types of databases) along with open-access journals for relevant articles. Results: A total of 561articles were found of which 85articles met the included criteria. Nine different categories were identified securing CC adoption in organisation, namely (1) CC adoption (n=30); (2) CC security (n=18); (3) CC overview / Objective (n=8); (4) CC adoption challenges (n=7); (5) CC adoption factor influencing (n=7); (6) CC adoption factor affecting (n=6); (7) CC future forecast (n=4); (8) CC adoption decision (n=3); (9) CC adoption & implementation (n=2); Conclusion: The basis of this SLR can help the development of guidelines to support newcomer companies whether to adopt and migrate to CC, the evaluation of relationship between nine factors and the selection of providers.