Saji K Mathew

Firms across the industry segments have been exploring cloud computing to derive benefits out of its technological features. Even though literature pertaining to cloud adoption by firms exists, the factors based on cloud-specific characteristics are mostly anecdotal in nature. Following a multiple case study approach, we identify factors specific to cloud technology adoption by firms. We further explain the differential adoption of the cloud between large and small firms. Overall we obtained 11 variables that differentiate large firms and SMEs in their adoption behavior. We further contribute to theory by mapping the extracted variables of cloud adoption to Diffusion of innovation theory (DOI) and Technology organization Environment framework (TOE).

Purpose: Although governments are hugely investing in information technology (IT) infrastructure, eGovernment performance has reported variations in performance. The relationship between IT infrastructure investments and eGovernment performance remains unexplored in academic research. This study aims to explain how investments in IT assets lead to infrastructure capability and eGovernment system performance. The work conceptualizes technical performance of IT infrastructure as a consequent of thoughtful investments in IT assets, which help generate IT infrastructure capability. The findings have important implications for eGovernment theory and practice in developing understanding about eGovernment IT infrastructure and supporting decision-making on the choice of infrastructure components. Design/methodology/approach: This study showcases quantitative analysis based on survey method-based research using a questionnaire for testing the hypotheses formulated. Findings: The analysis of the work showed that IT infrastructure performance is a significant mediator between investments in IT assets and IT infrastructure capability. Research limitations/implications: Owing to constraints of data collection, probability sampling was not followed, which is a prerequisite for statistical generalization. Practical implications: The study provides insights for governments on investing in technologies that meet requisite performance standards. IT infrastructure performance is an antecedent of IT infrastructure capability, which directly determines how an eGovernment system performs. Social implications: The study shows that delay in implementing new service models such as cloud potentially result in relatively lower performance of the IT infrastructure for the investments made in the given assets. Originality/value: This paper builds on the existing literature on IT assets, IT infrastructure performance and IT infrastructure capability and applies it to the eGovernment domain.

Cloud computing is widely advertised as a technology-based service model and an emerging business model which is highly beneficial for the adopting organizations. But, academic landscape lacks sufficient empirical studies of cloud adoption at firm-level, and the existing cloud adoption factors are mostly anecdotal in nature. A multiple case study approach was used to extract and compare adoption characteristics of SMEs and large firms in Germany, based on the Technology-Organization and Environment (TOE) framework. The study shows that there exist important differences between SMEs and large enterprises regarding the cloud adoption factors. The results further show that large firms perceive characteristics of the cloud to be more complicated and not easy to implement compared to SMEs which contradicts the popular belief that large firms are forerunners in adopting innovations and, the widely publicized cost benefits of cloud services are perceived to be in favor of SMEs.