The Strategic Value of Cloud Computing at Standard Group Limited, Kenya

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the adoption and strategic value of cloud computing at Standard Group Limited, Kenya. The study looked at usage of cloud computing, cost of cloud computing, effectiveness and reliability of cloud computing, data storage and accessibility of data. The researcher adopted a content analysis approach given that it was a case study to offer an in-depth understanding of the issues under investigation. The interviews was done in the IT department, Communications and PR departments and Finance Departments as they have large volumes of data that require large storage of data capacity to ensure reliability and effectiveness of data through cloud computing at Standard Group Limited. Content analysis was used to analyze, from the findings conclusions were made and recommendations provided for by the study. The findings of the study found out that the adaptation of cloud computing have strategic value in the operations of the media house. The findings also show that the there is less awareness of the use of cloud computing in the organization, storage and downloading of large amount of data takes much longer time to access the data. The study recommended that there is need for the organization to train their staff on the usage and type of cloud computing. There is also need for the organization to identify the advantages that are brought about by each cloud computing type in order for them to explore the advantages that can be found by each type and ensure that the organization does not miss on the benefits of cloud computing. As much as cost is concerned there is need for the organization to explore what are other ways that it can reduce the overall cost of operations through cloud computing. The study recommended that the organization should carry out a study on the strategic value of cloud computing in all media house in order to determine the situation in the whole industry other than one organization which may not reflect the situation in other media houses. There is also need to establish the safety of data stored in cloud computing and therefore a study is necessary on challenges posed by cloud computing on the safety and management of data at Standard Group Limited to avoid any lose or leakage of crucial data to the competitors that may use it against the organization in the industry.