| Cloud computing enables the use of computing technology resources via the Internet. The global market for Cloud computing is expected to grow to $241 billion by 2020. Cloud computing is comprised of three main service layers: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS). Organizations in which Cloud computing services are used are at risk for data loss. Interoperability standards for Cloud computing do not exist. Of the three types of Cloud services, the service with the most critical need for interoperability is IaaS. The problem is that an understanding of the requirements for developing Cloud computing interoperability standards for IaaS is needed. The purpose of this qualitative, multiple-case study was to provide an understanding of the requirements for developing Cloud computing interoperability standards for IaaS. A qualitative, multiple-case study design was used to identify concepts or procedures that Information Technology (IT) managers of Cloud computing client and broker organizations perceived as beneficial in the development of interoperability standards for IaaS. Cloud computing clients and Cloud computing brokers were each considered a separate group. For this multiple-case study, open-ended, semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 IT managers of Cloud-computing client organizations and 10 IT managers of Cloud-computing broker organizations. The interview questions were field tested by experts. Interviews were conducted via Internet video teleconferencing or by telephone. Theoretical thematic analysis was used to analyze key aspects of the data. Data were analyzed to determine any meaningful theme categories. Themes and concepts were developed from the theme categories. Additionally, a content analysis was conducted of publicly available collaboration sites on which Cloud computing standards were discussed. Twenty-four concepts or procedures were identified in the study, as being beneficial for the development of Cloud Computing Interoperability Standards. Both Cloud clients and Cloud brokers in this study believed that interoperability standards for IaaS would facilitate interoperability and lead to Cloud adoption and industry growth. The concepts and procedures identified in this study may contribute to international efforts to support the creation of these standards and to identify the requirements for their development. |
