# Cloud Computing Adoption: Opportunities and Challenges for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises in South Africa

**Authors:** Simphiwe S. Sithole, Ephias Ruhode  
**arXiv:** [2108.10079](https://arxiv.org/abs/2108.10079)  
**Date:** 2021-08-23  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2108.10079v1/

## Key points

- Authors Simphiwe S. Sithole and Ephias Ruhode explore factors influencing cloud computing adoption by SMMEs in South Africa
- Utilization of the TOE framework to evaluate opportunities and challenges presented by cloud computing to SMMEs
- Data collected through an online survey questionnaire from leaders of SMMEs across various geographical regions and business industries in South Africa
- Relative advantage plays a crucial role in the consideration of cloud computing adoption by SMMEs
- Government and regulatory support perceived as barriers to adoption
- Top management support found to be insignificant in this study, contrary to previous findings
- Cloud computing offers significant opportunities for enhancing competitiveness of SMMEs in the market
- Insights into regional preferences for cloud computing adoption among SMMEs revealed through additional analysis

## Summary

In their paper titled "Cloud Computing Adoption: Opportunities and Challenges for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises in South Africa," authors Simphiwe S. Sithole and Ephias Ruhode aim to explore the factors influencing cloud computing adoption by SMMEs in South Africa. Utilizing the TOE framework, the study evaluates the opportunities and challenges presented by cloud computing to SMMEs in the region. Data was collected through an online survey questionnaire from leaders of SMMEs across various geographical regions and business industries in South Africa. A quantitative research approach was employed to investigate the objectives, with descriptive analysis used to evaluate relationships and present results. The findings of the study highlight that relative advantage plays a crucial role in the consideration of cloud computing adoption by SMMEs, while government and regulatory support are perceived as barriers to adoption. Interestingly, contrary to previous studies, top management support was found to be insignificant in this particular study. The research underscores that cloud computing offers significant opportunities for SMMEs, enhancing their competitiveness in the market. Furthermore, additional analysis revealed insights into regional preferences for cloud computing adoption among SMMEs where non-normal distributions were observed. This detailed examination provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by SMMEs in South Africa when adopting cloud computing technologies.