Abstract

Cloud computing is an attractive proposition to organizations because of its expected benefits. However, its perceived risks and challenges may discourage adoption. This trade-off between benefits and risks creates a dilemma on whether or how to approach cloud adoption. This study aims to advance the understanding of cloud computing adoption in organizations and proposes a unifying model of cloud adoption. A systematic literature review was employed to investigate the adoption factors studied in previous empirical settings. The review identified 41 primary studies and yielded a hierarchical cloud adoption model. The identified factors are in line with the technology-organization-environment framework and with the diffusion of innovation model, but new insights into the dimensions relevant to cloud adoption emerged from literature. For example, system availability and reliability, cost effectiveness, privacy and security, top management support, and market pressure are among the factors influencing adoption. Implications and future research are discussed.