How to procure cloud computing solutions
Stefan Bensch · 2011
Cloud computing research is currently dominated by technology and business-value driven approaches. Recently, the design of aligned procurement processes for cloud solutions in value networks has entered the scientific discourse. Especially in value networks, the implementation of procurement processes for cloud solutions, consisting of infrastructure-, platform - and software components, requires a holistic consideration of both procurement operations and the underlying information and communication technology. However, due to the special characteristics of cloud solutions, existing procurement or outsourcing processes for products and services cannot be applied to this domain out-of-the-box. This paper shows the need for a process-oriented approach in procurement at several abstraction levels. It proposes a model for the design of manageable procurement processes in value networks applicable to cloud solutions. The resulting artifact helps both practitioners and researchers in the development of specific cloud solution procurement processes.