Abstract: Cloud computing technology provides different solutions to organizations on demand in order to improve their performance and to lower hardware and software procurement and maintenance cost. There is a rich body of literature on its benefits for SMEs, however, studies that investigate the factors influencing the adoption by SMEs in developing countries especially Saudi Arabia and particularly in Information and Communication Sector (ICT) are still lacking. To fill this gap, this study examines the factors that influence the adoption of cloud computing by Saudi Arabian SMEs. This study seeks to develop a research framework that integrates the innovation characteristics as well as the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) perspectives that underlie its adoption. Primarily, the adoption factors for cloud computing are identified and classified into different dimensions using the Technology, Organization and Environment (TOE) framework. This study therefore presents a more holistic assessment of the factors of cloud computing adoption than earlier studies. The study contributes to the wider body of scientific knowledge that, so far, has not studied the adoption of cloud computing in this sector. The findings confirm a high potential for use of the cloud computing market within developing countries and further recommend cloud computing vendors to focus on cloud computing knowledge.

Keywords: Cloud computing, SMEs, adoption

| DOI: 10.17148/IJIREEICE.2019.7403