What Business Leaders Should Know About Cloud Computing

Abstract

Cloud computing represents a popular and frequent notion in media and scientific research. However, in post-transition countries, there remains a low offer of cloud computing solutions and users have not still accepted this concept besides its broad spectrum of benefits. This chapter examines the possible reasons why, despite high media attention, there are not many examples of using cloud-computing solutions by companies in post-transition countries, using Croatia as a case study. For that purpose, the survey among Croatian enterprises has been conducted regarding cloud-computing usage in business. Collected data is analyzed using knowledge discovery from databases aiming to define firms' readiness when using cloud-computing solutions. Results indicate that Croatian enterprises recognize the value of cloud computing as a software-as-a-service, but significant barriers are present in terms of slow recognition of its business value. Steps for overcoming this obstacle are proposed in the chapter.