Reaching for the “Cloud”: The Case of an SME in a Developing Economy

Abstract

Cloud computing adoption and utilization is gaining prominence in most developing countries. Its adoption is influenced by several factors, which can constitute a limitation rather than an advantage for firms. This research, therefore, explored the issues surrounding the adoption of cloud computing by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a developing economy. An SME operating in Ghana for over five years was purposively selected as the case for the study. Technology-organization environment (TOE) framework served as a guiding lens. Interviews were held with selected staff of the case firm. Data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman’s transcendental realism technique. It was discovered that the motivation for cloud computing adoption is the possibility of getting a state of-the-art IT infrastructure at the lowest cost possible. The study presents the factors that influenced cloud computing adoption in the SME. The study contributes to improving the present understanding of cloud computing as an SME’s strategic tool for operating within a developing economy.