The Acceptance and Use of Cloud Computing Services by Small and Medium Enterprises in Lagos, Nigeria

• Main Author: Azogu, Olajumoke Oluwaseye
• Other Authors: Chen, Jiangping
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 2017
• Subjects: Cloud Computing; Uses and Gratification; Small and Medium Enterprises; SubSaharan Africa; Lagos; Nigeria; Cloud computing > Nigeria > Lagos.; Small business > Nigeria > Lagos > Data processing.; Business > Nigeria > Lagos > Data processing.; Technological innovations > Nigeria > Lagos.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc984117/

This study explored the acceptance of cloud computing (CC) services by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos, Nigeria, which has been missing from CC services literature. It aimed to understand the motivations for adoption, the uses of the services, and the benefits they derive from it. The uses and gratification theory was applied as the theoretic framework for this endeavor. An online survey with close-ended and open-ended questions was distributed to 1200 randomly selected participants through email. In total, 392 valid responses were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and categories. The results found that SMEs in Lagos, Nigeria had a low level of awareness and appreciation of CC services. The adoption rate was also low. Unlike their counterparts in other regions, SMEs primary concerns were service downtime, stable power supply, and better internet access. The study found that SMEs were not taking full advantage of the capabilities of CC services. Some sections, however, were doing better than others, such as the information and communications sub-sector. This study suggested that targeted interventions should be conducted to raise the awareness of CC services in SMEs, and to improve their efficient and effective use of CC services. The uses and gratification theory was appropriate for guiding this study to understand the acceptance and use of CC services by SMEs in Lagos, Nigeria.