Critical success factors affecting the adoption of cloud computing in oil and gas industry in Oman

The dependency on cloud computing is expanding exponentially due to its operational and cost-effective benefits, allowing organizations to adopt solutions within very short periods without wasting enormous efforts and resources on implementation, instead focusing on more strategic objectives. Therefore, the process of understanding the effect of critical success factors (CSFs) which influences the adoption of cloud computing, and those that impede its adoption, is a very important endeavor. The aims of this research are: 1) to identify the CSFs which play a role in the success of cloud computing adoption in oil and gas industry in Oman; 2) investigates the influence of these CSFs on the adoption of cloud computing; 3) compare the results with other studies conducted in other countries. To achieve these aims the researchers conducted a questionnaire amongst the IT managers in in oil and gas industry in Oman. After analyzing the collected data it was found that the top five factors which affect the cloud computing adoption are: the service providers' support, adequate telecom services, top management support, trialability and financial incentives. Strangely that data security and regulatory environment are found not to influence the adoption.