Factors influencing cloud-computing technology adoption in developing countries

Adoption of new technology has complicating components both from the selection, as well as decision-making criteria and process. Although new technology such as cloud computing provides great benefits especially to the developing countries, it has challenges that may complicate the selection decision and subsequent adoption process. This study provides an understanding the reasons why information technology (IT) leaders in developing countries adopt new technology by evaluating their perceptions of the security effectiveness, organizational need, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of cloud-computing technology. The study was conducted as a quantitative investigation with a validated survey instrument. The result indicates that perceptions of security effectiveness, need, reliability, and cost-effectiveness correlate positively with IT leaders in developing countries willingness to recommend cloud-computing technologies. From this study, recommendations will help key stakeholders and policy makers in these countries. For a business audience, this study may provide specific considerations in undertaking technology transfer cooperation with a developing country partner. For policy makers, the study may highlight the need to reduce the impediments to facilitate successful technology transfer cooperation and establish greater synergies between developed countries. For others, the study will provide insights into the way technology adoption decisions are made and factors that may influence the technology adoption process beyond those that are known and accepted technology selection criteria.