How cloud computing is giving small Irish engineering firms a competitive advantage [printed text] / Marek Zenisek, Author ; IBAT College Dublin, ; Ciaran Hayden, Thesis advisor . - 2012 . - 110 p. : ill. (col), includes bibliographical references pp. 97-99, and abstract ; 31 cm.
ISSN : DISS2
Dissertation (MBA) -- IBAT College Dublin, 2012.

Keywords:	CloudTechnology,  Cloud,  SME
Class number:	658
Abstract:	Cloud computing is a widely popular phenomenon which is constantly gaining momentum and attention by increasing numbers of computer specialist and businesses alike. Thus it is important to investigate how this paradigm shift relates to the specific environment of the Irish economy and namely to its engineering Small and Medium Enterprises. Purpose of this work: Analysis of the penetration of Cloud Computing technology within the Irish engineering SMEs and its practical deployment in the chosen sector; Identification of the underlying issues which affect the adoption of this technology within the targeted industry; Exploration of how Cloud Computing may provide the Irish engineering SMEs with competitive advantage over established companies. The research was carried out using a questionaire-based survey to obtain statistical data and emerging trends and those were deeper explored through interviews with representativess of the key roles within the sector. The findings exposed strong awareness of the Cloud technology by respondents, practical benefits, obstacles to adoption, main uses of Cloud within the sector, industry specific attributes mitigating certain adoption risks, and participant's perception of key hindrances of Cloud adoption. Interviews with chosen respondents yielded valuable data regarding positive experiences with particular Cloud applications in the daily life of an SME.