Records in the Cloud (RiC): Profiles of Cloud Computing Users

Cloud computing is an evolving technological concept that offers flexibility and scalability to its users. This paper describes a survey focusing on the users of cloud services that it is part of the "Records in the Cloud" research project of the University of British Columbia. The survey contributes to the discussion about the cloud services, and tries to determine the reasons why small and medium-sized organizations choose cloud technology, the issues they encounter and their future expectations. The participants of the survey identified cost and collaboration as their main motives for using cloud computing, while security risks and legal implications were their greatest concerns. For the users, steps need to be taken towards a better regulated and simpler cloud environment.