Drivers and Barriers of the Cloud Computing in SMEs: the Position of the European Union

Abstract

Cloud computing is one of the technologies that organizations, and especially users, know the least about. It is a new Internet-based technology used to store information on servers, and is provided as an on-demand service to clients. Cost savings and simplification of the technological infrastructure are two of the most decisive factors in its increasing use. However, the lack of standardization, the need for new professionals and the emergence ofdistrust are some of the barriers to its adoption. The purpose of this paper is, firstly, to present the current situation of this technology from the perspective of businesses by reviewing the existing literature. Secondly, we analyze the situation of this technology from a two-part viewpoint: the European Union, and in particular, the situation in SMEs. Finally, the strategic positions of the European Commission will be reviewed with respect to the consequences of the adoption of the cloud paradigm.