Usage of cloud computing: Where do we stand and where are we going?

Abstract

Cloud Computing is one of the hot topics in IT within the past two years. It is an IT delivery model that provides application, infrastructure and computer resources as a service. Payment for cloud services are based on a pay per use cost mode. Cloud Computing implies greater flexibility, reduces total cost ownership, on demand services and many other features. This master thesis tries to outline and assess the usage of cloud computing in Switzerland. Theoretical background and an overview is presented on the basis underlying principles – evolution of Cloud Computing, public, private and hybrid clouds, software-, platform-, infrastructure as a service, key cloud technologies such as multi-tenancy and virtualization as well as the main characteristics and advantages. A survey was sent out to more than 50 enterprises in Switzerland in order to assess and analyze the usage of cloud computing in Switzerland. Moreover this research paper introduces a cloud user roadmap including cloud need identification, cloud user readiness assessment, cloud strategy as well as a cloud user model. The cloud user model represents the internal cloud view within an enterprise and the interrelation with the cloud provider. This roadmap is a recommendation for cloud user how they get started with cloud computing towards successful cloud integration. This work will finally be concluded with an outlook where cloud computing will lead to in the future.