Value chain analysis of container-based virtualized hosting services
Jeremias Skyttä · LUTPub (LUT University) · 2020
The objectives of this study were to identify case company’s unpublished container-based hosting service’s main value, create its value chain and analyse created value chain. Thesis is a case study made with using qualitative methods. Gathered data used were mainly qualitative which consist of interviews as well as earlier research and inquiries. Statistics were the only quantitative data used in this study. Data were analysed comparing it among each other to find both similarity and disparity from the point of view of the theoretical framework. The theoretical framework of this thesis is based on literature of value creation, competitive advantage and value chain. Case company’s unpublished container-based virtualized hosting service were applied to created theoretical framework. The value created by the service were analysed by comparing it to markets and the demand. Based on the phases that service’s life cycle has, the value chain was created, and value chain analysis was done. It was discovered that unpublished container-based hosting service can fulfil even the highest requirements in demand regardless of the infrastructure. Due to that, it was stated that service’s most value creating element is flexibility, and competitive strategy should be differentiation. The formed value chain’s support activities were stated to be firm infrastructure, external networks, human resource management, procurement and technology development. Value chain’s primary activities consisted of sales & marketing, feasibility study & pilot, design of new service, operations, handover, product use & service and end of primary use. It was discovered that the last part of the services’ value chain is margin and brand equity. Based on the value chain analysis, it was found that the most important parts of the services’ value chain are feasibility study & pilot, design of new service and product use & service.