Users’ Acceptance of Cloud Computing in Saudi Arabia: An Extension of Technology Acceptance Model

Introduction

In 1955, a new concept was proposed, aiming to provide computing services for public utilities, such as gas, water and electricity was proposed (Parkhill, 1966). This concept remained a dream for approximately 40 years. In a trial to make this dream real, grid computing was proposed in the early 1990s as way to make supercomputer capabilities available to all who need them (Foster & Kesselman, 2004). Currently, cloud computing has emerged as an important topic that differs from grid computing in providing Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). By taking a look into the literature of cloud computing, it can be ascertained that researchers have focused on finding the most appropriate definition of cloud computing, technical and economic potential, and so on. Researchers also have proposed various tools and models of cloud computing that help in solving different problem domains. However, the literature lacks user studies in cloud computing in spite of the fact that users play an important role in the success and failure of technologies.

Therefore, this paper presents a study aimed at investigating users' acceptance of cloud computing. This case study was applied to employees of information technology organizations in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (Davis, 1989) is one of the dominant models currently used in determining users’ intentions to use a new technology. It assumes that acceptance of new technology can basically be predicted based on two principles: Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEU). These principles are believed to significantly affect users' attitudes toward using the technology. Moreover, Behavioral Intention (BI) to use a technology, as posited in the model, can be determined by users' attitude together with perceived usefulness. As such, behavioral intention defines Actual Use (AS) of this technology.

Previous studies have shown that TAM is an effective indicator for predicting the acceptance and usage of new technologies in different domains, such as information security (Fahad Al-Harby, Qahwaji, & Kamala, 2010; Boswell & Reithel, 2006; Lai & Li, 2005; Polatoglu & Ekin, 2001; Wang, Wang, Lin, & Tang, 2003), learning technologies (Sek, Lau, Teoh, Law, & Parumo, 2010), gender differences (Al-Harby, Qahwaji, & Kamala, 2009; Gefen & Straub, 1997) and new systems and interfaces (Amoako-Gyampah & Salam, 2004). Therefore, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used as baseline to predict users' acceptance of cloud computing in Saudi organizations. It was extended with five factors: gender, age, education level, job domain (i.e., profession) and nationality. These factors were anticipated to affect users' acceptance of new technologies in the region. The results of this study can be used as a basis for researchers and IT practitioners in the region who would like to adopt cloud computing effectively.

The paper begins with a brief description about cloud computing in terms of definitions, classifications, architecture, economic values and benefits, and current cloud services. The paper then describes the adopted research model and presents the hypotheses. Then, the experimental instrument used to collect the data is described prior to discussion of the obtained results in terms of validation tests, sample profile and hypotheses testing. The paper concludes by interpreting experimental results into recommendations and guidelines that would help IT practitioners to adopt cloud computing effectively in Saudi Arabia.