Cloud Computing - The Business Perspective

If cloud computing (CC) is to achieve its potential, there needs to be a clear understanding of the various issues involved, both from the perspectives of the providers and the consumers of the technology. There is an equally urgent need for understanding the business-related issues surrounding CC. We interviewed several industry executives who are either involved as developers or are evaluating CC as an enterprise user. We identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the industry. We also identify the various issues that will affect the different stakeholders of CC. We issue a set of recommendations for the practitioners who will provide and manage this technology. For IS researchers, we outline the different areas of research that need attention so that we are in a position to advise the industry in the years to come. Finally, we outline some of the key issues facing governmental agencies who will be involved in the regulation of cloud computing.