Cloud Computing in Lebanese Enterprises: Applying the Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) Framework

Abstract

In the last few years, cloud computing (CC) has grown from being a promising business concept to one of the fastest growing segments of the IT industry. Many businesses including small, medium (SMEs) and large enterprises are migrating to this technology. The objective of this paper was to describe the opinions of enterprises about the benefits and challenges of cloud computing services in the private and public companies in South Lebanon. During 2019, a cross-sectional study which enrolled 29 enterprises used CC was conducted. The survey included questions on socio-demographic characteristics of representative of companies, and companies' factors in reference to the technology, organization, and environment (TOE) framework. Most (58.6%) of companies were private and micro and SMEs sized (86.8%). The cost saving (75.0%), scalability and flexibility (75.9%), security (44.8%), and improved service delivery were the main benefits that cloud offer to the business. The security aspect, the cost, and the limited provision of infrastructure remain a challenge for the adoption of CC. In conclusion, the research reveals the potential for the development of CC and obstacles for successful implementation of this new technology.