I rischi derivanti dall’implementazione del cloud computing: un’indagine empirica nelle PMI Italiane

This paper examines the issues relating to the implementation of cloud computing in Italian SMEs. The aim is to measure the perception of the risks usually associat- ed to the introduction of cloud computing in Italian SMEs identified as first-time adopters. The analysis relies upon a questionnaire disseminated through 400 indi- viduals belonging to the Accounting and/or Information and Communication Technology divisions of 200 Italian SMEs, during the implementation phase of cloud computing. The survey was conceived as to obtain information about the perceived risks in terms of likelihood and impact before cloud computing adoption and after six months of implementation. The data gathered were therefore helpful to put into light the perceived risks of cloud computing implementation. The results show that there is a strong risks perception before this tool implementation indipendently from the personal experience of the respondent. Hence, this re- search contributes to the ongoing debate on cloud computing potential in firms, deepening the issues relating to its introduction.