Gerard Conway

Cloud Computing Adoption Readiness and Benefit Realization in Irish SMEs: An Exploratory Study

This exploratory article tests the applicability of existing cloud computing adoption models, targeted primarily toward larger organizations, in supporting Irish small and medium-sized enterprises in transitioning to the cloud computing environment. Further, the article examines benefits realized from cloud adoption. Based on a quantitative research approach, the study’s findings indicate that existing cloud adoption frameworks are not suitable “as is” for the small- and medium-sized enterprise market. This provides strong justification for developing small- and medium-sized enterprise-specific frameworks for managing cloud migration.

Migrating to the cloud

Purpose – Cloud computing is a relatively new phenomena. It has rarely been examined in the context of the small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this paper is to examine the drivers and barriers to cloud computing adoption by SMEs in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach – This study adopted an exploratory approach. A quantitative approach was adopted in the data collection phase. An online self-completion questionnaire was distributed by e-mail to 1,500 SMEs in Ireland. A response rate of 6 per cent was achieved generating 95 usable responses. Findings – Findings from this study indicate that Irish SMEs are adopting cloud technology. The key driver identified is the resultant cost benefits for the firm. However, concern over continuous availability of the service is identified by the SME as a key challenge and is hindering widespread adoption of cloud technology. Research limitations/implications – This study whilst exploratory in nature, has laid the foundation for further research in ...

The IVI Cloud Computing Life Cycle

Cloud computing has the promise of significant benefits that include reduced costs, improved service provisioning, and a move to a pay-per-use model. However, there also are many challenges to successfully delivering cloud-based services; including security, data ownership, interoperability, service maturity and return on investment. These challenges need to be understood and managed before attempting to take advantage of what the cloud has to offer. In this paper we introduce a nine-step cloud life cycle that can be used for both the migration and the ongoing management of public, cloud-based services. A consortium of organizations using an open-innovation approach developed the life cycle. This paper describes each step of the life cycle in terms of the key challenges faced, and the recommended activities, with resultant outputs, needed to overcome them.

Measuring Energy Efficiency Practices in Mature Data Center: A Maturity Model Approach

Power usage within a Data Center (DC) goes beyond the direct power needs of servers to include networking, cooling, lighting and facilities management. Data centers range from closet-sized operations, drawing a few kilowatts (kW), to mega-sized facilities, consuming tens of megawatts (MWs). In almost all cases, independent of size there exists significant potential to improve both the economic and environmental bottom line of data centers by improve their energy efficiency, however a number of challenges exist. This paper describes the resulting maturity model, which offers a comprehensive value-based method for organizing, evaluating, planning, and improving the energy efficiency of mature data centers. The development process for the maturity model is discussed, detailing the role of design science in its definition.