A Cloud Implementation Assessment System for SMEs

Abstract

The emerging impact of cloud computing in businesses has become a great driving force for business success and cannot be understated. The lack of a tailored functional application software, even though a framework exists, poses a significant challenge to SMEs. Without a digital corresponding software solution, SMES struggle to conduct a practical assessment since the framework offers only theoretical guidance. A well-developed cloud implementation assessment tool is essential for SMEs to thrive. The main aim of the study was to develop a robust cloud implementation assessment system for SMEs to evaluate their cloud implementation readiness. Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM), is a kind of research methodology which aims at developing and evaluating innovative artefacts, in the form of models, frameworks, designs, or prototypes, to solve complex and practical problems. Framework Usability Validation used. On the Clarity of the framework, none of the respondents strongly disagreed, representing 0%. 8 respondents, representing 15.4% disagreed, and 3 respondents, representing 5.8% were unsure. The system was developed using the Django Python web framework.  Out of 43 respondents, 18 participants (42%) found the Learn Cloud Phase helpful, 3 participants (7%) found the Assessment and Cloud Choice Phase helpful, and 15 participants (35%) found the Migration Phase helpful. Additionally, 4 participants (9%) reported that all phases were helpful, 2 participants (5%) indicated that none of the phases were helpful, and 1 participant (2%) was uncertain about the helpfulness of any phase. In this paper, the design science Research (DSR) method was utilised to develop and evaluate the cloud implementation assessment system for SMEs. Key features of the developed system include learn cloud, assessment, cloud choice and migration phase. The developed system was said to be very useful and suitable, solidifying its value as a helpful resource for small businesses aiming to utilise cloud technology. A cloud assessment system was developed to aid in assessing SMEs' cloud readiness and implementation. Generally, SMEs responded positively to the cloud computing implementation framework.