Cloud computing has 3 primary service models including SaaS, IaaS and PaaS, which are classified depending on the level for which a service user interacts with the service provider’s systems in accessing memory, processing power and storage. Deployment models of cloud computing include hybrid, community, public and private clouds depending on the approach to hosting and the number of clients sharing a resource. Due to the prohibitive nature of private cloud computing and requirement for specialized systems in community clouds, the most suitable approach to cloud computing for small and medium enterprises is public cloud computing. In this regard, this study was aimed at determining the extent to which implementation of public cloud computing by enterprise companies is feasible. Due to the cultural and the absence of law in Saudi Arabia ensuring the protection of data in the cloud, challenges in implementing cloud computing in the country are related to adherence to the data governance structure. For instance, privacy and security are important for enterprise companies since the local culture values the safeguarding of family and individual information. In addition, information transferred through the cloud system must adhere to the conservative philosophy and data privacy, which limits the level of compatibility in cloud computing between Saudi Arabia and the western world. Since most service providers are based in the west, companies have to identify a service provider that tailors its products to suit the market in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, implementation of public cloud computing in Saudi Arabia is feasible as long as companies select a service provider with a positive reputation, limit posting of sensitive information to the cloud server, and implement cloud computing gradually to avert the possibility of complete failure. This study determined that SaaS cloud computing is feasible for enterprise companies in Saudi Arabia, but further study is required to examine the feasibility of IaaS and PaaS. In addition, a larger study should be done to collect quantitative data to determine the implications of cloud computing in a representative sample.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
1.2 PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1.4.1 Main Research Question
1.4.2 Sub-Questions
1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF STUDY
1.5.1 Delimitations
1.5.2 Limitations
1.6 ROUTE MAP TO THE DISSERTATION
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 ORGANIZATION OF REVIEW
2.2 EMERGENCE AND ADOPTION OF CLOUD COMPUTING
2.3 CLOUD COMPUTING APPROACHES
2.4 CLOUD COMPUTING IN BUSINESS
2.5 CLOUD COMPUTING IN SAUDI ARABIA
2.6 CONCLUSION
CHAPTER 3: DATA AND METHODS
3.1 MOST PROMISING METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH
3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHOD
3.3 RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS RECRUITMENT METHOD
3.4 RESEARCH PARTICIPANT RECRUITMENT CRITERIA
3.5 INTERVIEWS
3.6 ETHICAL ISSUES
3.7 LITERATURE SEARCH
3.8 ANALYSIS
CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS AND RESULTS
4.1 DATA ANALYSIS
4.2 RESULTS
4.2.1 Factors in Saudi environment that affect cloud computing implementation
4.2.2 Cloud computing services implemented by enterprise companies in Saudi Arabia
4.2.3 Benefits of Cloud Computing
4.2.4 Issues raised
4.2.5 Acceptability of recommendations
CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
5.1 FINDINGS SUMMARY
5.2 THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
5.3 LIMITATIONS
5.4 DIRECTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH
5.5 REFLECTIONS
5.6 LEARNING FROM THIS STUDY
Objectives and Research Themes
This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of implementing public cloud computing services as a replacement for traditional business applications within enterprise companies in Saudi Arabia, specifically addressing the influence of local cultural, legal, and operational factors.
- Analysis of public cloud computing feasibility in Saudi Arabian enterprises.
- Identification of factors influencing cloud technology adoption in conservative business environments.
- Evaluation of cloud computing benefits versus security and privacy risks.
- Development of recommendations for successful cloud integration and data management.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Statement of the Problem
Cloud computing can be implemented through multiple models including private cloud, public cloud and hybrid cloud, and their derivatives like community cloud and distributed cloud depending on service provider, users and deployment approach (Hausman, 2013). Due to the obvious benefits of cloud computing, enterprise companies have to implement cloud computing to make data collection, storage, processing, manipulation and communication an integrative process (Stair, 2010). However, with so many options to deployment options, and varying advantages and shortcomings of cloud computing models, companies have to perform a clear assessment of their needs in order to choose the most appropriate of the many cloud computing models. Different business entities have varying knowledge and information management approaches, which necessitates the application of a cloud computing approach that is most appropriate for their needs. On one hand, some companies may need specialized technologies in order to perform specialized tasks that are not available in public cloud computing, which necessitates the adoption of a private cloud computing approach. On the other hand, some companies may not have the resources to invest in the purchase of servers and other technologies required to implement a private cloud computing approach, and such a company would benefit from the storage and computing power offered by public clouds. Moreover, some companies may have resources to invest in a private cloud but also need the benefits of the public cloud, and such companies tend to favor a hybrid cloud computing system. Therefore, the choice of cloud computing deployment approach by a business entity depends on the cost and functional benefits of the approach, and the computing needs of the business entity.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION: Outlines the problem, research objectives, and the significance of studying cloud computing feasibility in Saudi Arabia.
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW: Discusses the global emergence of cloud computing and examines current adoption trends, benefits, and challenges relevant to business enterprises.
CHAPTER 3: DATA AND METHODS: Details the qualitative research methodology, including participant recruitment criteria and the use of semi-structured interviews.
CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS AND RESULTS: Presents the findings regarding factors in the Saudi environment that impact cloud implementation and the acceptability of specific recommendations.
CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: Synthesizes research findings, addresses practical implications, and offers reflections on the study process and future research directions.
Keywords
Cloud Computing, Saudi Arabia, Public Cloud, SaaS, Information Technology, Data Privacy, Enterprise Companies, Business Process, Information Security, Feasibility Study, Infrastructure, Outsourcing, Technology Adoption, Data Management, Digital Transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this study?
The study investigates the feasibility for enterprise companies in Saudi Arabia to transition from traditional business applications to public cloud computing services for their daily operations.
What are the central themes covered in the research?
The research explores cloud service models, the impact of Saudi Arabia's conservative cultural environment on technology adoption, privacy and security challenges, and the potential benefits such as cost reduction and scalability.
What is the core research objective?
The objective is to determine to what extent it is feasible for Saudi Arabian enterprise companies to adopt public cloud applications as a replacement for traditional systems.
Which research methodology was employed?
The study utilized a combination of secondary research from online databases and primary qualitative research involving semi-structured interviews with IT managers and experienced employees from ten selected companies.
What topics are discussed in the main body chapters?
The main chapters provide a literature review on global cloud trends, detailed methodology, an analysis of the Saudi Arabian business environment, and a discussion of the practical implications and findings gathered from participant interviews.
How would you characterize this research using keywords?
The work is best characterized by terms such as cloud computing, Saudi Arabia, feasibility study, information security, data privacy, and enterprise IT management.
How does the Saudi Arabian environment specifically impact cloud implementation?
Implementation is influenced by the need for data localization, sensitivity regarding family and personal privacy, a conservative philosophy in business governance, and the reliance on western-based multinational service providers.
What are the major recommendations for enterprises mentioned in the study?
The study suggests prioritizing local service providers, ensuring gradual implementation to avoid total system failure, and being selective about the sensitivity of data shared on cloud servers.
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- Nicholas Guantai (Autor), 2014, Cloud Computing Business in Saudi Arabia, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/276573
