Cloud Computing Adoption for Small and Medium Enterprises in Engineering and Environmental Aspects

Introduction

Cloud computing is revolutionizing the engineering sector by providing SMEs with access to powerful computing resources and advanced technologies. This chapter explores the transformative potential of cloud computing for engineering SMEs, focusing on integrating environmental concepts into operations. Cloud-based solutions can streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and achieve efficiency while contributing to environmental sustainability. Cloud services offer scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making them attractive for SMEs competing in a rapidly evolving marketplace. This scalability is especially beneficial for engineering SMEs, which often face fluctuating demands and project requirements(Khayer et al., 2021).

Cloud computing helps SMEs overcome barriers like high upfront costs, complex maintenance requirements, and limited scalability in traditional IT infrastructure. By outsourcing IT to cloud service providers, SMEs can focus on core business activities while relying on experts for resource management. This shift from capital-intensive infrastructure to pay-as-you-go cloud services has democratized access to advanced technologies, leveling the playing field for SMEs. In the engineering sector, cloud computing offers benefits like cloud-based software tools for CAD, simulation, and project management, enabling better collaboration with clients and partners. Centralizing data and applications in the cloud improves productivity and remote work(Vajjhala & Ramollari, 2021).

The engineering industry is increasingly adopting cloud computing to promote environmental sustainability. Cloud service providers are investing in energy-efficient data centers and renewable energy sources, reducing the carbon footprint associated with computing infrastructure. This can help engineering SMEs reduce energy consumption, minimize hardware waste, and lower their environmental impact. However, SMEs face challenges such as security concerns, data privacy issues, and regulatory compliance requirements. Migrating existing systems and data to the cloud can be complex and time-consuming, requiring careful planning and execution(Modisane & Jokonya, 2021).

This chapter delves into the adoption of cloud computing for engineering SMEs, discussing its advantages, challenges, and best practices. It provides real-world case studies and examples of successful cloud technology use to enhance operations and achieve environmental sustainability goals. The chapter also discusses emerging trends and future opportunities in cloud computing, highlighting the potential for innovation and growth in the engineering sector. By embracing cloud-driven solutions, engineering SMEs can thrive in a competitive market and contribute to a sustainable future(Liu et al., 2021).

Cloud computing is a shift in computing resource provisioning, access, and management. It offers computing services like servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics over the internet on a pay-as-you-go basis. This model eliminates the need for costly on-premises infrastructure and allows organizations to leverage shared resources from cloud service providers. Cloud computing's scalability allows organizations to adjust their computing resources dynamically and efficiently, particularly beneficial for SMEsin the engineering sector, which often face fluctuating project requirements and resource needs(Raut et al., 2019).

Cloud computing offers various deployment models, including public, private, and hybrid clouds. Public clouds are owned and operated by third-party service providers, while private clouds are dedicated to a single organization and can be hosted on-premises or by a third-party provider. Hybrid clouds combine elements of both public and private clouds, allowing organizations to leverage scalability and cost-effectiveness while maintaining control over sensitive data and applications. Cloud computing also includes service models like Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS)(Attaran & Woods, 2019; Raut et al., 2019). IaaS provides virtualized computing resources over the internet, PaaS allows developers to build, deploy, and manage applications without the complexity of underlying infrastructure, and SaaS delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis.