Understanding the Determinants of Cloud Computing Adoption within the UK

The evolution of cloud computing services over the past few years is potentially one of the

major advances in the history of computing. There are many reported advantages to cloud

computing with particular reference to the cost saving benefits, however, many disadvantages

have also been reported, among them the dependency on the cloud service provider and security

issues leaving organisations without clear understanding of the factors affecting their adoption

decision. The growing adoption of cloud computing within the UK is predicted to be strong and

it is estimated that by the end of 2013, over 75% of UK organisations of all sizes will be using at

least one cloud computing service formally. This research presents an adoption model that

confirms this trend from a sample of 257 participants that include mid-to-senior level business

and IT professionals from a range of industries and organisation sizes. Additionally, a factor

analysis was conducted to validate and analyse the eight components of the adoption model

proposed. The results showed as the most important determinants for adoption of cloud

computing within the UK the aspects related to compatibility, relative advantage, technology

readiness and top management support.