Innovating in the cloud

Cloud computing may offer a new architecture in fostering innovation. This paper describes salient issues in cloud computing capable of facilitating innovation in organisations. Focusing on the potential value to organisations of cloud computing, in this paper we outline particular aspects of contemporary concern to organisations innovating for competitive advantage. Using a lens of innovation-enabling and routes to competitive advantage, we focus on and identify aspects of cloud computing capable of offering value to organisations without invasive surgery to their operational processes or strategic direction. This paper indicates value in particular cloud services, with dependencies on implementation and coupling to strategic goals. Further, indications support organisational concerns on security, and other concerns typically prevalent in applications outsourcing. The paper concludes with recommendations regarding initial traversal of cloud-based potential for organisations intent on paddling rather than diving into cloud computing as a vehicle for innovation.