Skip to main content

Cloud Computing Adoption in Italian SMEs: A Focus on Decision-making and Post-implementation Processes

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Reshaping Accounting and Management Control Systems

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organisation ((LNISO,volume 20))

Abstract

Cloud computing is an emerging model in which machines in large data centres can be used to deliver services in a scalable manner. It allows firms to receive the same internal ICT structure with lower costs and a higher degree of flexibility. With this technology come many disadvantages that can have a major impact on the information and services supported by this technology. This chapter pursues two related aims. First, it investigates the decision-making process of implementing cloud computing by highlighting the drivers and ICT requirements of SMEs. Then, it examines the effects following the migration of the ICT system from an in-house data centre to a cloud-based service. We found specific drivers and ICT requirements, suggesting the implementation of cloud computing in SMEs to oversee specific issues. Moreover, our findings show that the advantages arising post-implementation confirm the expectations created by the management during the decision-making process; meanwhile, at least in the short term, no disadvantages arose.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Banca d’Italia. Relazione annuale al Governo. https://www.bancaditalia.it/UIF/pubblicazioni-uif/relazione-2011.pdf

  2. Bugamelli, M., & Pagano, P. (2004). Barriers to investment in ICT. Applied Economics, 36(20), 2275–2286.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. CISCO. (2013). Netelligent expands line of hosted and managed IT services with Cisco desktop-as-a-service solution. Cisco systems publications. http://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/solutions/collateral/data-center-virtualization/desktop-virtualization-solutions/netelligent-external-casestudy.pdf

  4. Marchi, L., & Mancini, D. (2009). Gestione informatica dei dati aziendali. Milano: FrancoAngeli.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Quagli, A., Dameri, R. P., & Inghirami, I. E. (2007). I sistemi informativi gestionali. Milano: FrancoAngeli.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Paoloni, M. (2008). Note introduttive a I nuovi sistemi informativi e le piccole e medie imprese. In F. M. Cesaroni, P. Demartini (Eds.), A cura di, Ict e informazione economico-finanziaria. Saggi sull’applicazione delle nuove tecnologie nelle grandi e nelle piccole e medie imprese. Milano: Francoangeli.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Potito, L. (2014). Il rischio e l’ambiente. In L. Potito (Ed.), A cura di, Economia aziendale. Lavis (TN): Giappichelli editore.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Plummer, D. C., Smith, D. M., Bittman, T. J., Cearley, D. W., Cappuccio, D. J., & Scott, D., et al. (2009). Five refining attributes of public and private cloud computing (Gartner white paper, 31, 2). http://www.gartner.com/DisplayDocument?doc_cd=67182&ref=g_fromdoc

  9. Microsoft. (2010–2011). Securing Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure. https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/securing-the-MS-Cloud.pdf

  10. Mell, P., & Grance, T. (2011). The NIST definition of cloud computing—Recommendations of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. NIST Publications. http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/800-145/SP800-145.pdf

  11. Gonzalez-Martínez, J. A., Cano-Parra, R., Bote-Lorenzo, M. L., & Gomez-Sanchez, E. (2015). Cloud computing and education: A state-of-the-art survey. Computers and Education, 80(1), 132–151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Ibrahim, S., He, B., & Jin, H. (2011). Towards pay-as-you-consume cloud computing. IEEE International Conference on Services Computing, pp. 519–528.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Marston, S., Li, Z., Bandyopadhyay, S., Zhang, J., & Ghalsasi, A. (2011). Cloud computing—The business perspective. Decision Support Systems, 51(1), 176–189.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Buyya, R., Yeo, C. S., & Venugopal, S. (2008). Marked oriented cloud computing: Vision, hype, and realty for delivering IT services as cloud computing utilities. The 10th IEEE International Conference on High Performance Computing and Communications, 10(1), 5–13.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Armbrust, M., Fox, A., Griffith, R., Joseph, A. D., Katz, R., Konwinski, A., et al. (2010). A view of cloud computing. Communications of the ACM, 53(4), 50–58.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Buyya, R., Yeo, C. S., Venugopal, S., Broberg, J., & Brandic, I. (2009). Cloud computing and emerging IT platforms: Vision, hype and reality for delivering computing as the 5th utility. Future Generation Computer Systems, 25(6), 599–616.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Sultan, N. (2011). Reaching for the cloud, how SMEs can manage. International Journal of Information Management, 31(3), 272–278.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Sultan, N. (2010). Cloud computing for education: A new dawn? International Journal of Information Management, 30(1), 109–116.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Lee, L. S., & Mautz, R. D., Jr. (2012). Using cloud computing to manage the costs. The Journal of Corporate Accounting and Finance, 23(2), 11–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Boss, G., Malladi, P., Quan, D., Legregni, L., & Hall, H. (2007). Cloud computing (IBM white paper).

    Google Scholar 

  21. Weiss, A. (2007). Computing in the clouds. Networker, 11(4), 16–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Vouk, M. A. (2008). Cloud computing―Issues, research and implementations. Journal of Computing and Information Technology, 4, 235–246.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Vaquero, L., Rodero–Merino, L., Caceres, J., & Lindner, M. (2009). A break in the clouds: Towards a cloud definition. Computer Communication Review, 39(1), 50–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Candiotto, R. (2013). Il sistema informativo aziendale. Torino: Giappichelli Editore.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Limone, M. (2013). I contratti di Cloud. www.comparazionedirittocivile.it

  26. Yang, H., & Tate, M. (2012). A descriptive literature review and classification of cloud computing research. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 31(1), 35–60.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Weinhardt, C., Anandasivam, A., Blau, B., Borrisov, N., Maini, T., Michalk, W., et al. (2009). Cloud computing—A classification, business models and research direction. Business and Information System Engineering, 1(5), 391–399.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Rosenthal, A., Mork, P., Li, M. H., Stanford, J., Koester, D., & Reynolds, P. (2009). Cloud computing: A new business paradigm for biomedical information sharing. Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 43(2), 342–353.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Velte, A., Velte, R., & Elsenpeter, R. (2010). Cloud computing a pratical approach. New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Khajeh-Hosseini, A., Greenwood, D., & Sommerville, I. (2010). Cloud migration: A case study of migrating an enterprise IT system to IaaS. In Proceedings of the IEEE 3rd International Conference on Cloud Computing (pp. 450–457).

    Google Scholar 

  31. Lawler, J., Joseph, A., & Howell-Barber, H. (2012). A case study of determinants of an effective cloud computing strategy. Review of Information Systems, 16(3), 145–156.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Brender, N., & Markov, I. (2013). Risk perception and risk management in cloud computing: Results from a case study of Swiss firms. International Journal of Information Management, 33(5), 726–733.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Gupta, P., Seetharaman, A., & Raj, J. R. (2013). The usage and adoption of cloud computing by small and medium businesses. International Journal of Information Management, 33(3), 861–864.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Mahmood, A. M., Arslan, F., Dandu, J., Udo, G., & Donald, A. N. (2014). Impact of cloud computing adoption on firm stock price—An empirical research. In Proceedings of the Twentieth Americas Conference on Information Systems, Savannah.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Oliveira, T., Thomas, M., & Espadanal, M. (2014). Assessing the determinants of cloud computing adoption: An analysis of the manufacturing and services sectors. Information and Management, 51(5), 497–510.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Son, I., Lee, D., Lee, J. N., & Chang, Y. B. (2014). Market perception on cloud computing initiatives in organizations: An extended resource-based view. Information and Management, 51(6), 653–669.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Kshetri, N. (2013). Privacy and security issues in cloud computing: The role of institutions and institutional evolution. Telecommunications Policy, 37(3), 372–386.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Subramanian, N., Abdulrahman, M. D., & Zhou, X. (2014). Integration of logistics and cloud computing service providers: Cost and green benefits in the Chinese context. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 70(1), 86–98.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Choudhary, V., & VithayathIl, J. (2013). The impact of cloud computing: Should the IT department be organized as a cost center or a profit center? Journal of Management Information Systems, 30(2), 67–100.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Kundra, V. (2011). Federal cloud computing strategy. The white house documents. https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/egov_docs/federal-cloud-computing-strategy.pdf

  41. Singh, S. P., & Veralakshmi, R. S. R. (2012). Cloud computing: A promising economic model for library and information centers. Journal of Library and Information Technology, 32(6), 526–532.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Mu, E., & Stern, H. A. (2015). The City of Pittsburgh goes to the cloud: A case study of cloud solution strategic selection and deployment. Journal of Information Technology Teaching Cases, 4(1), 70–85.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Lian, J. W., Yen, D. C., & Wang, Y. T. (2014). An exploratory study to understand the critical factors affecting the Decision to adopt cloud computing in Taiwan hospital. International Journal of Information Management, 34(1), 28–36.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Sultan, N. (2014). Making use of cloud computing for healthcare provision: Opportunities and challenges. International Journal of Information Management, 34, 177–184.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Hsu, P. F., Ray, S., & Hsieh, Y. Y. (2012). Examining cloud computing adoption intention, pricing mechanism, and deployment model. International Journal of Information Management, 34(4), 474–488.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Chong, H. Y., Wong, J. S., & Wang, X. (2014). An explanatory case study on cloud computing applications in the built environment. Automation in Construction, 44(2), 152–162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Ashford, W. (2009). Cloud computing more secure than traditional IT, says Google. Computer Weekly. http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2009/07/21/236982/cloud-computing-more-secure-than-traditional-it-says.htm

  48. Doherty, E., Carcary, M., & Conway, G. (2012). Risk management considerations in cloud computing adoption. Research by innovation value institute (IVI), 2–7.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Badger, L., Grance, T., Patt-Corner, R., & Voas, J. (2011). Cloud computing synopsis and recommendations (Special publication 800-146). National Institute of Standards and Technology. http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/drafts/800-146/Draft-NIST-SP800

  50. Chow, R. P., Golle, M., Jakobsson, J., Staddon, E., Shi, J., Staddon, R., et al. (2009). Controlling data in the cloud: Outsourcing computation without outsource control. Proceedings of the 2009 ACM workshop on Cloud Computing Security, 1, 85–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Fanning, K., & Centers, D. P. (2012). Platform as a service: Is time to switch. The Journal of Corporate Accounting and Finance, 23(5), 21–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Almulla, S. A., & Yeun, C. Y. (2010). Cloud computing security management. Proceeding of 2010 Second International Conference on Engineering Systems Management and Its Applications (ICESMA), 1(1), 1–7.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Grobauer, B., Walloshek, T., & Stoker, E. (2011). Understanding cloud computing vulnerabilities. IEEE Transaction on Computers, 9(2), 50–57.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Fan, C. K., & Chen, T. C. (2012). The risk management strategy of applying cloud computing. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 3(9), 18–27.

    Google Scholar 

  55. DaSilva, C. M., Trkman, P., Desouza, K., & Lindic, J. (2013). Disruptive technologies: A business model perspective on cloud computing. Technology Analysis and Strategic Management, 25(10), 1161–1173.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Mangiuc, D. M. (2012). Cloud identity and access management—A model proposal. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference Accounting and management information systems AMIS 2012, 7(1), 1014–1027.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Mangiuc, D. M. (2012). Delivering security in the cloud. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference Accounting and management information systems AMIS 2012, 7(1), 1005–1013.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Tiwari, P. K., & Mishra, B. (2012). Cloud computing security issues, challenges and solution. International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering, 2(8), 306–310.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Ionescu, B., Ionescu, I., Stanciu, A., Mihai, F., & Tudoran, L. (2012). From e-accounting towards cloud accounting in Romania. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference Accounting and management information systems: AMIS 2012, 7(1), 983–1004.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Enslin, Z. (2012). Cloud computing adoption: Control objectives for information and related technology (cobiT)—Mapped risk and risk mitigating. African Journal of Business Management, 6(37), 10185–10194.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Ferreira, L. D., & Merchant, K. A. (1992). Field research in management accounting and control: A review and evaluation. Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal, 5(4), 3–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Lillis, A. M. (1999). A framework for the analysis of interview data from multiple field research. Accounting and Finance, 39(1), 79–105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. Gable, G. G. (1994). Integrating case study and survey research methods: An example in information systems. European Journal of Information Systems, 3(2), 112–126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. Lillis, A. M., & Mundy, J. (2005). Cross-sectional field studies in management accounting research: Closing the gap between surveys and case studies. Journal of Management Accounting Research, 17(1), 119–141.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  65. Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  66. Benbasat, I., Goldstein, D. K., & Mead, M. (1987). The case study research strategy in studies of information systems. MIS Quarterly, 11, 369–386.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  67. Lee, A. S. (1989). A scientific methodology for MIS case studies. MIS Quarterly, 13(1), 32–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  68. Lee, A. S. (1991). Integrating positivist and interpretive approaches to organizational research. Organization Science, 2(4), 342–365.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  69. Smith, N. C. (1990). The case study: A useful research method for information management. Journal of Information Technology, 5, 123–133.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  70. Mumford, E., Hirschheim, R., Fitzgerald, G., & Wood-Harper, T. (1985). Research methods in information systems. Amsterdam: North-Holland.

    Google Scholar 

  71. Mumford, E. (1991). Information systems research—Leaking craft or visionary vehicle? In H.-E. Nissen, H. K. Klein, & R. Hirschheim (Eds.), Information systems research: Contemporary approaches & emergent traditions (pp. 21–26). Amsterdam: Elsevier Science Publishers B.V.

    Google Scholar 

  72. Yin, R. K. (1981). The case study crisis: Some answers. Administrative Science Quarterly, 26(1), 58–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  73. Eisenhardt, K. M., & Graebner, M. E. (2007). Theory building from cases: Opportunities and challenges. Academy of Management Journal, 50(1), 25–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  74. Yin, R. K. (1984). Case study research: Design and methods. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  75. Santos, F., Eisenhardt, M., & Kathleen, M. (2004). Multiple case research. In Lewis-Beck, M., Bryman, A., & Liao, T. (Eds.), Encyclopedia of research methods for the social sciences. Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  76. Martinez, M. (2004). Organizzazione, informazioni e tecnologie. Bologna: Il mulino.

    Google Scholar 

  77. Rossignoli, C. (2004). Coordinamento e cambiamento—Tecnologie e processi interorganizzativi. Milano: FrancoAngeli.

    Google Scholar 

  78. Slovic, P. (1987). Perception of risk. Science, 236(4799), 280–295.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  79. Slovic, P. (2000). The perception of risk. London: Earthscan.

    Google Scholar 

  80. Rohrmann, B. (1995). Technological risks—Perception, evaluation, communication. In R. E. Melchers & M. G. Stewart (Eds.), Integrated risk assessment new directions (pp. 7–12). Rotterdam: Balkema.

    Google Scholar 

  81. Carroll, M., Merwe, A., & Kotze, P. (2011). Secure cloud computing: Benefits, risks and controls. IEEE Information security in South Africa, 1, 1–9.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Luca Ferri .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

About this paper

Cite this paper

Caldarelli, A., Ferri, L., Maffei, M. (2017). Cloud Computing Adoption in Italian SMEs: A Focus on Decision-making and Post-implementation Processes. In: Corsi, K., Castellano, N., Lamboglia, R., Mancini, D. (eds) Reshaping Accounting and Management Control Systems. Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organisation, vol 20. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49538-5_4

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics