Accelerating the Adoption of Cloud Technology by SMEs in Nigeria

Abstract

The contentions for this study were to investigate the reason for the slow adoption of Cloud Computing by SME operators in Nigeria and to develop a suitable information model to guide the would-be users in making an informed decision regarding cloud adoption. A structured interview was conducted with a select number of SME operators and industry associates within the researcher’s domain, and a reasonable number of valid responses were obtained.  Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was adapted as the research framework to qualitatively examine the conditions that affect the adoption of Cloud computing into microfinance business operations, within which a suitable model for improving the adoption of Cloud computing was recommended. The analysis of the study revealed that SMEs in Nigeria, with particular reference to microfinance subsector in Akwa Ibom State are yet to fully embrace Cloud technology.  It was discovered that most of the SMEs studied, has some level of reservation about cloud computing, arising from not having appropriate education and enlightenment about the cloud economic offerings and potentials. From the outcome of the research, the researcher identified that most people’s concerns are as a result of lack of knowledge about cloud computing and so the researcher concluded that appropriate enlightenment by industry stakeholders, cloud service providers, cloud enthusiasts and even the government on the risks and overwhelming economic incentives of cloud computing as well as the provision of a monitored free trial services will encourage the adoption of cloud technology by SMEs.

Index Terms - Cloud Adoption, Cloud Computing, Cloud End-user, Cloud Service Providers, Data Security, Microfinance, Nigeria, SMEs, Vendors,