Factors influencing the adoption of cloud computing in software development companies in Kenya.

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to establish the factors that influence cloud computing adoption in the software development companies in Kenya. The study was guided by four specific objectives; to establish the organizational factors influencing the adoption of cloud computing in software development companies in Kenya, to assess the environmental factors influencing the adoption of cloud computing in software development companies in Kenya, to determine the technological factors influencing the adoption of cloud computing in software development companies in Kenya and to evaluate the risk factors influencing the adoption of cloud computing in software development companies in Kenya. The target population of this study composed of the 283 software development companies in Kenya. The sample size of this study comprised of the entire 283 Software Development Companies, which were provided with questionnaires in order to provide the information required, here the ICT managers were the participants. Since the study used primary data, the data was collected using a questionnaire as the main data collection instrument. The study generated both qualitative and quantitative data. The study concludes that organizational related factors, (top management commitment, worker attitudes and right skills), environmental (industry competition and trading partner pressure), technological factors (perceived benefits, complexity and compatibility influenced the adoption of cloud computing technology within organizations. The study also concludes that policy and organisational risks, technical risks and legal risk influenced the adoption of cloud computing technology within organizations. In order to promote cloud computing, service providers should provide successful case studies and statistics in order to help companies realize the potential benefits, to achieve agreement on an industry standard perhaps is the priority in the sector. The standardization will reduce uncertainties and hence encourage adoptions. Trust being a critical factor in cloud adoption. It brings about the emergence of the mitigation strategies. Risk mitigation strategies include audit controls, policies and procedures, service Risks and service level arrangement for similar type risks. Like other information technology adoptions in businesses there are issues other than the technology that need to be taken into account for example compatibility of the technology with organizational policy, structure, value and most importantly products and services. Data security is an essential factor that should be considered during any Cloud Computing implementation, with the current security and privacy issues in the Cloud, this factor must be considered carefully, Companies will have to assess the necessity of cloud computing to their business first and then its compatibility.