Understanding cloud computing success and its impact on firm performance: an integrated approach

Purpose This study aims to investigate the determinants of successful implementation of cloud computing and, further, examines how cloud computing success influences firm performance. Design/methodology/approach The authors developed a conceptual framework based on the integration of several strands of literature in business studies and information systems. To test the proposed model, data were collected from 300 Chinese firms which have adopted cloud computing. To analyze the data, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used. An importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) was also conducted to identify the critical factors that exhibit high importance but low performance. Findings The results of the study revealed that end-user satisfaction, information quality, system quality, managerial information technology (IT) capability and technical IT capability significantly affect cloud computing success. Additionally, cloud computing success has a strong and positive impact on firm performance. IPMA further confirms that managers need to concentrate more on system quality, information quality, user satisfaction and technical IT capability. Originality/value This paper is one of the few attempts to integrate several theoretical frameworks (i.e. IT capabilities and resource-based view, expectation-confirmation theory, and information system success theory) to develop a comprehensive model for understanding the key determinants of cloud computing success and its impact on firm performance. This study makes a useful contribution to the conventional information systems (IS) literature and IT management practice.