Understanding cloud computing in a higher education context

Cloud computing has become prevalent in many sectors today, including higher-education. The study is premised on the assumption that despite the popularity of cloud computing in higher education, research within this context remains limited. The study, which is qualitative and exploratory in nature, involved an innovative methodological approach, drawing on interviews with three groups of participants: (a) members of a global, Fortune 100 technology company supplying cloud solutions; (b) members of a selected UK university's IT department implementing cloud solutions; and (c) students from the same UK university using cloud solutions. The findings improve understanding around cloud solutions in the higher education context by unpacking—through a qualitative thematic analysis approach—relevant themes that inform the extant information systems literature. Finally, the study provides recommendations for future researchers, cloud suppliers, universities, and students.