M.S. Candidate: Furkan Bol
Program: Information Systems
Date: 28.08.2025
Place: A-212

Abstract: In the current digital era, cloud computing has become a critical enabler for businesses of all sizes. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, cloud computing has emerged as a transformative technology, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It offers unprecedented scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. However, while large corporations have swiftly adopted cloud solutions, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face significant challenges in doing so. This thesis explores the adoption of cloud computing in SMEs, focusing on the complexities and barriers that these businesses encounter. Given their typically limited financial resources and technical expertise, SMEs are often hesitant to transition to cloud-based solutions due to concerns about costs, data security, compliance with regulations, and potential disruptions to existing business operations. To address these concerns, this research conducts a meta-synthesis of existing studies on cloud computing adoption in SMEs. Through this approach, the thesis identifies the critical factors that influence successful cloud integration, including technological infrastructure, organizational readiness, and financial planning. Additionally, it explores the role of leadership and the importance of strategic decision-making in overcoming barriers to adoption. The findings from this meta-synthesis are used to develop a comprehensive framework for cloud adoption tailored specifically to the needs and constraints of SMEs. This framework not only covers the technical aspects, such as selecting appropriate cloud services and managing data security but also addresses organizational and strategic factors critical to successful adoption. The research also highlights potential barriers and provides strategies to mitigate them, ensuring that SMEs can effectively integrate cloud computing into their operations. Ultimately, this thesis aims to bridge the gap between the potential benefits of cloud computing and the practical challenges of its implementation in SMEs. By providing a systematic process for cloud adoption, the study contributes valuable insights that can help SMEs harness the full potential of cloud computing, thereby enhancing their competitiveness and enabling them to thrive in an increasingly digital business environment.