Conclusion & Future Outlook
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Conclusion & Future Outlook
Based on the theoretical and empirical analysis, the research questions can be
answered in the following way:
Should companies use out-sourced data solutions for business relevant
processes and information?
In terms of opportunities gained through the use of cloud services, yes. Cloud
services have a high level of flexibility, due to their on-demand nature. This means
that whenever a new variable (for example a new employee) is added to the
business formula, the service model can easily be adapted to this change instead
of the necessity to expand the internal IT infrastructure by buying a new PC, or
licensing new software. This flexibility is also expressed in the planning certainty,
which means that a company knows exactly how much to pay per month/per user
for a specific service. There is no need to develop complicated licensing models.
Hence the potential cost-saving effects are key elements for cloud services. The
additional computing power, provided through the cloud, can be useful in connection
with Big Data. Companies have the opportunity to gain useful information, analysis,
or access to new markets. Cloud services can also have a positive impact on the
strategic alignment of a company. Smart re-allocation of newly available resources
within the company can support the business strategy. Another advantage is the
time and location independency of cloud services. A user can access the services
from almost any web-enabled device, such as a notebook, a tablet PC, or even a
smartphone. In a highly globalized and internationalized era, employees have the
freedom of mobility to do business regardless of location, time or available device.
In terms of value derived from cloud services for out-sourced data solutions for
business relevant processes and information, the answer is: It depends on which
and how processes are outsourced into the cloud:
How and when can companies benefit from the employment of cloud
services?
Companies can derive a benefit from the employment of cloud services, if their cloud
strategy is based on two dimensions: a strategic and a technical dimension.
