| Abstract [eng] |
This thesis represents the economic analysis of the role and value that cloud computing technologies and management plays towards improving the efficiency of small and medium-sized enterprises in Jamaica. As one of the most scalable, ubiquitous form of technological innovation, the cloud could potentially bridge the digital divide for Jamaican SMEs. The work presents the major benefits of cloud computing while highlighting the ICT-related infrastructural problems that SMEs from Jamaica currently face. In addition, to the enormous contributions, in terms of being the standard cubicle for innovation and job creation, SMEs still lack the necessary tools to unlock operational efficiency, productivity and profitability. However, the main inhibitor of cloud computing technologies is security and in Jamaica this concern is increased exponentially. Therefore, cloud service providers engaged in the business of providing unique cloud solutions, should guarantee security in the SLAs, which can comfortably assist Jamaican SMEs to make more informed decisions towards cloud adoption. The advent of available cloud computing technologies from cloud service providers means that SMEs can access IT applications that would otherwise require a level of investment that would be beyond the scope of their financial resources. Based on the findings from the questionnaire and expert opinions, Jamaican SMEs are highly interested in adopting cloud computing technologies through the potential it has for increasing operational and business efficiency, reduced costs, promotes business continuity after major natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes the island face, and its degree of scalability. These were discovered as the key reasons for cloud computing technologies adoption by Jamaican SMEs. However connectivity and reliable power source must first be addressed before efficiency can be effectively measure by Jamaican SMEs. |
