Cloud Technology and Its Application in Business

The report discusses the importance of cloud technology in businesses, its benefits, and challenges. It explains how cloud technology is used to store data, access files, and recover information. The report also mentions that cloud technology can be used by firms to give effective advantages.

RESEARCH PROJECT

TITLE:
“To identify the impact of digital technology on business activities of SMEs. A case
study on Softwire.”
INTRODUCTION
Every organisation main aim is to develop its business activities and functions so this will
enhancing their income and revenue at the market place. Currently, digital technology are in the
trend and that is why most of the companies are executing technologies for increasing their
business growth and development. The widespread use of digital technology with the help of
laptops, computers, smartphones, mobile phones, tablets and so more. Along with this, the major
purpose of digital technologies is to build strong connection among the different individual
quickly, effortlessly and cost effectively (Chen and et. al., 2014). Softwire is the company which
deliver software engineering, digital design solutions and consultancy facilities to the UK
leading brands. The present research is focus on cloud technology which is used for effectively
storage and sharing the required data or information. Softwire is work on cloud technology that
is an information application system, in order words it is simple way to access storage, servers,
database and broad set of technological facilities through the internet. For this, particular aims
and objectives has been developed with the assistance of whole investigation that can be
conducted. Moreover, various methodologies and literature review for developing accurate
research has been described in this project. Data analysis is done for making reliable
investigating work.
TASK 1
P1
As per the view of Etro, (2015) digital technology is important because it will help in
gaining higher growth and development to the business functions. The role of digital application
provide enormous growth in trade and commerce. Most of the organisation used cloud technique
for storing and sharing important information relates to business in proper manner. This
technology utilised for sharing and storing important information within an organisation. It will
play an essential role in formulating skills and abilities of employees to perform their work in
achieving higher competitive advantages. Cloud technology is a model for enabling the
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ubiquitous, accessible, on-demand network access to share huge information. It is the latest
technology which is adopted by large number of organisation.
Cloud technology is a utility model which can be used by small and large companies to
host their data centres, procedures and online techniques through internet (Soyata and et. al.,
2015). It is the technique which uses the internet and central remote host for maintaining the
required data and technology. This will allow consumers and businesses for using effective
application without installing and also access their personal folders or files from any computer
with access the internet only.
Background of report
Cloud technology is that method which can used for storage and sharing essential
information or data for an organisation. Cloud application is based on the internet. It will help in
enhancing its efficiency, assist in improving cash flow and also offer various advantages to the
business. Softwire is the company which is used cloud technology for save necessary
information and data of the company customers and employees. This technique has transfer its
efficiency that authorise organisation for reduces the capital expenses and increasing company
adaptability (Karunarathne and et. al., 2014). It can be indicated by experts that cloud has
directly affect business main servers and web hosting working in the company. Softwire is the
firm which deliver bespoke software engineering, digital designing solutions and consultancy
facilities to most of the United kingdom leading brands. The company main aim is to make best
possible surroundings for developing effective software and provide mismatched buyers
satisfaction. They are work for developing software and cloud technology used them in storing
or sharing required information in proper manner.
Therefore, by using cloud application, organisation need to think regarding business
operations and functions which provided by Softwire for effectively perform all work. Along
with this, it will help in secure and safe the personal data of customers as well as employees.
Aim:
“To ascertain the effectiveness of cloud technology on enhancing business performance:
A case study on Softwire”.
Research Objectives:
 To determine the significance of digital technology in an organisation.
 To identify the effectiveness of cloud technology on business activities.
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 To examine the impact of cloud technology on company performance. To analyse various ways through which business performance can be improved.
Research Questions:
 How to determine the importance of digital technology within the enterprise ?
 What is the effectiveness of cloud technology on business activities ?
 What is the impact of cloud technology on organisation performance ?
 Elaborate different ways through which company improve their performance ?
Questions which are described are effective and useful in evaluating or analyzing a
theoretical framework so that it is valid conclusion which can be derived. It will help in
investigation by collecting data for examining or analyzing major strength and weakness that has
been described in this assignment. Along with this, literature review used for developing
appropriate and reliable report for analyzing different strategy of an enterprise.
Significance of digital technology in an organisation
According to the view of Suthaharan, (2014) cloud technology is that technique which is
used for storage and sharing the required information and data of an organisation. There are
various significance of cloud application in the company that are described as follows: Lower the costs – The reason behind for operating cloud technology is saving costs and
time in better manner. It will allow firm to measure its IT capability and outlay, without
incurring high capital value. Flexibility – There are various companies need to conduct business especially on smart
phones and tablets. Cloud computing provides all time services or facilities to their users
to stay with real time information from any computation method at anytime and
anywhere in all over the world. Scalability – The another advantages of cloud technology is ts scalability. In current
market place, it is very vital that an enterprise required to satisfy its customers needs and
requirements along with efficiency (Manuel, 2015) Environment friendly – In an organisation, data centers require high cooling method to
confront them from over heated and keep smoothly running without any interruption.
Cloud technology help in maintaining stability in the overall business operations and
functions in better manner.
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 Geographical reach – Cloud application can be used for search new geographical
boundaries and achieve with large number of customers. As per the result, it can be better
usage of resources, expand business operation and also increasing income (Gill and et.
al., 2014). Enhancing workforce efficiency – Cloud technology is the latest method which can be
used by Softwire firm to hire talented and skilled employees who reaching with desired
goals and targets.
Effectiveness of cloud technology on business activities
It can be stated that Ratten, (2015) Cloud technology is one of the adoptable technology
for most of the companies along with its energizing measurement and using virtual resources as a
services via internet. For adopting cloud application, Softwire firm will gain higher opportunity
to formulate business approaches and acquire a competitive edge. The reduction in cost is one of
the main advantages in which company stand to gain competencies at the time of leaving work in
an organisation. There are different points which shows effectiveness of cloud technology within
an enterprise that are explained as follows: Cost savings – It is one of the essential advantage of cloud application is to save
business cost. This will allow company is to provide additional processing power
through internet without usage of million/billion of device as servers. Along with this,
they are spending huge capital on purchasing hardware or software and renewal fees in
which both capital and operating income used in the firm. Collaboration efficiency – In business, cloud technology provides ability to properly
interact and share external traditional methods. Softwire delivers high tech solution
application which satisfying business efficiencies and competencies in effective manner.
It will develop huge collaboration among employees to allow large number of users who
share and store data in given time period (Ye and et. al., 2018). Enhancing security – This is another effectiveness of cloud technology which can be
used for gain high level security system to protect data and information. Cloud providers
serve various facilities or services to the huge number of organisation and businesses. Flexibility of working practices – In the Softwire, cloud technology offers higher
adaptability to their staff members in working practices. If firm manager require to
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access its important files and data at home so they can easily connect with virtual office
quickly and perform all work in proper manner.
Impact of cloud technology on company performance
There are various things on which cloud technology directly impact on business
performance. As per the view of Pahl and Lee, (2015) Cloud application is the practice of using
remote servers hosted internet to manage, store and processing data to local server or personal
computer. Such things which impact on clod that includes education, social impact, business,
healthcare, etc. Cloud technology is one of the useful technology for most of the organisation
along with its energizing measurement and using realistic resources as a services via internet.
This can directly impact on business performance and its growth due to usage of unavailability
of storing and sharing relevant data or information within an organisation. There are different
impact of cloud technology on company performance that are described as under: Ease of use and suitability – The usage of cloud computing is very beneficial for small
business because they can easily access their office server from anywhere and anytime.
This require employees to access from remote areas and enhancing number of online
transactions necessary for cloud computing solution. There are various accountants who
are using cloud technology for their SMEs customers or clients in proper monthly basis
fees. Cost reduction – By using cloud technology, company is saving huge cost from small
business concerns. Every business is different and thus they require certain purpose
which find out cloud application should be at lower cost and saving more time. It is one
of the most powerful aspects at the time of relocate on-premises systems and
infrastructure along with cloud services or facilities (Avram, 2014) Security and Privacy – It is the best factor which help Softwire in maintaining security
and privacy in better manner. Cloud security is good, as risks get minimized due to
authenticated and encryption. By using this, the firm can easily save their customers
personal data and information with required regulations. The procedure is likely to be
involved in business continuity and data backup in the case of cloud security failure.
Various ways through which business performance can be improved
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In Softwire company, there are different ways through which business performance can
be enhanced and improved in the current time period. These are some points which help them in
understanding and evaluating improved company performance that are explained as under: Improving employees teamwork and company culture – It is required for company
manager is to enhancing their employees performance if they are performing work
together for achieving desired goals and target. According to the view of Smith, Bhogal
and Sharma, (2015) when the firm staff members enjoy their workplace, feel secure and
doing work together so this will increasing their company growth. The firm can maintain
great culture is based on employees behaviour and attitude within an organisation. Improving documentation procedures – In an enterprise, manager required to keep
records of each activity and function which can be conducted. Such records are essential
for auditors so they need to maintain all important records related to company
performance and their employees. They require to developing receipts and record of
transactions and save them in better manner.
 More effective market – Softwire need to focus on their target market area where they
can place their product for gaining attention of large number of customers. This will also
assist in enhancing their business productivity and capabilities in the large market place.
P2
Research methodology is the procedure by which investigator can gather and collect
accurate data so that they can get valid conclusion for research in better manner. An organisation
mainly conduct investigation for developing decisions which help them in providing right
direction to the employees in achieving desired goals (Brandas, Megan and Didraga, 2015).
Moreover, methodologies involves surveys, publications, interviews and various approaches
which help researcher in setting up parameters so this will reaching with set goals and targets in
given time period. Therefore, there are various types of approaches and factors which are
described as under: Qualitative research – This is determined as primary exploratory research that can be
utilised for evaluating or understanding different opinions of scholars. Along with this, it
provides a investigator insight through which they can develop effective idea and concept
for reaching with desired buyers. For conducting qualitative investigation, most of the
organisation can adopt unstructured or semi-structures method that involves participative
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and observation techniques. In addition to this, sample size has been taken as relatively
small. Therefore, sample size has been conducted in this research is 50 respondents for
analyzing the believe of large number of people about company services or products. Quantitative research – It is that method which can be used for measure issues by
numerical data. This will help researcher in developing data into statistical form which
explained (Al-Anzi, Yadav and Soni, 2014). The main objective of quantitative research
is to formulate and employ mathematical models, theories and hypothesis. It will assist in
transforming data and information into statistical method which is easy to describe by
investigator. Thus, quantitative research using measurable data which has been develop
facts and figures of various approaches in the quantitative research. Primary data – It is the procedure for gathering and collecting data directly from
different sources. Researcher collects data by using various methods such as surveys,
experiments, direct observations and interviews. It is very expensive and time consuming
technique as compare to the secondary collection of data. This is best appropriate method
for certain type of research. Secondary data - It is that process which are collect information and data from external
sources such as magazines, books, journals, newspapers, etc. It is used by investigator for
save time and cost and this will provide high quality based database that can be
incorporated for developing reliable and appropriate research for reaching with desired
goals and targets in given time period. Data sampling – It is that method which is used for collecting and gathering information
from large number of people which is not possible to the researcher. There are various
types of sampling such as simple random sampling method, stratified and cluster
sampling (Park and Kim, 2014). Along with this, it is that method which is based on
probabilistic where data collected by using random sampling so this provides accurate
results or outcome without making any bias. On the other hand, non probabilistic
sampling is that method in which they does not provide equal chance on selection of
public. At the time of sampling, there are 50 respondents who are capable for giving
appropriate response on company products and services. While conducting investigation,
probabilistic method of research is used in better manner.
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 Ethical consideration – There are various issues or problems which are faced by
company at the time of conducting research. Therefore, they need to make proper plan
and strategy so this can be done in effective way. Apart from this, this project does not
show any type of biasses towards specific society and community people. The major
issue which faced by researcher is cost and time and if they require to engage with them
so they need to take effective precaution. Along with this, they need to kept confidence in
their collecting data and information so no one can misuse them in any manner.
TASK 2
P3
Research is considered as broad concept that has been done for gaining accurate
knowledge and information in particular area. This is necessary for investigator is to conduct all
activities and functions in proper manner so this will support them in gathering relevant data and
information effectively. For this investigation, primary and secondary method can be used. They
require to conduct appropriate research which help individual in collecting and gathering
research in better way (Park and Kim, 2014). Primary method is useful for researcher because it
is acquire authenticated and real information which is used in proper investigation. Another is
secondary method which is used external sources such as books, magazines and newspaper and
also it is less time consuming technique. This is very easy method which can be used by most of
the researcher during project development.
Therefore, while making project both primary and secondary techniques are used. At the
time of making research, there are various issues which are faced by researcher so they need to
resolve all occurring problems which make disruptions. There are certain information which has
been described as under:
Cost and Time – It is determined as major factor in every organisation whether it is small
or medium business. It is necessary that researcher has sufficient amount of capital which help
them in performing various functions and activities while conducting research in better way.
Along with this, time is enough and estimated cost was not so high as sample size is 50
respondents.
Ethical issues – At the time of investigation, there are different issues recognized, then if
an investigator cost and time is the main concern but during this research there is no problem are
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faced. On the other side, investigator need to secure all important data and information which has
been gathered (Park and Kim, 2014). Thus, all the major factors were taken into consideration at
the time of conducting investigation so they will get valid conclusion which help in firm in
formulating accurate plans and strategies in proper way.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Q1) Does Cloud technology effectively used in Softwire organisation?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) Which cloud technology is best suitable for Softwire company?
a) Google drive
b) Dropbox
c) One Drive
d) iCloud
Q3) Is cloud application help in enhancing business performance of Softwire?
a) Yes
b) No
Q4) What are the major benefits of cloud technology to the company in increasing growth?
a) High Flexibility
b) Easier maintenance
c) Lower cost
d) Continuity of business
Q5) What are the challenges of cloud technology which faced by company during storing
data and information?
a) Multi tenancy
b) Data leaking
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c) Data privacy
Q6) What is the major impact of cloud computing technology for enhancing Softwire
performance?
a) Security and Privacy
b) Easy to use
c) Reliability
Q7) Do you think cloud application help firm in gaining maximum profitability and income?
a) Yes
b) No
Q8) According to you, what is the usage of cloud techniques in an organisation ?
a) Store data and information
b) Cost reduction
c) Optimum utilisation of resources
Q9) Do you think, cloud technology assist in enhancing company growth and development?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q10) Do you have any suggestion regarding that how to analyse the effectiveness of cloud
computing application for increasing company performance and growth?
P4 Apply appropriate analytical tools, analyse research finding and data
Theme 1: Cloud technology effectively used in Softwire organisation
Q1) Does Cloud technology effectively used in Softwire
organisation?
Frequency
a) Yes 35
b) No 15
10

Interpretation: As per the above table, it can be analysed that cloud technology is very
effectively used in an organisation and this will help in enhancing its performance or growth in
proper manner. There are around 35 respondents who are agree on this statement because this
will help in access system at anywhere and on the other hand, other 15 respondents are disagree
on this statement because when large number of people are access server so this will slow down
the speed of internet.
Theme 2: Google drive is best suitable for Softwire company
Q2) Which cloud technology is best suitable for Softwire
company?
Frequency
a) Google drive 20
b) Dropbox 10
c) One Drive 10
d) iCloud 10
11
35
15
a) Yes
b) No

Interpretation: It can be stated that there are various companies which are used different cloud
techniques method because this will provide high speed as well as save time of user. In this,
Softwire used Google drive method which help in storing and sharing information in proper
manner. There are approximately 20 respondents who are agree on this consideration that google
drive is the best suitable method for Softwire company. On the other side, there are around 10
respondents who are said Dropbox, other 10 agree on OneDrive and remaining 10 are said
iCloud is the best appropriate technique for cloud computing technology within an enterprise.
Theme 3: Cloud application help in enhancing business performance of Softwire
Q3) Is cloud application help in enhancing business
performance of Softwire?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 20
12
20
10
10
10
a) Google drive
b) Dropbox
c) One Drive
d) iCloud

Interpretation: From the above table, it can be concluded that cloud technology assist in
increasing business performance and activities of Softwire firm in proper manner. This will assist
in storing and sharing important information from any person within an organisation. Along with
this, there are around 30 respondents who are agree on this statement that cloud technology assist
in enhancing business performance by protect data, maintaining collaboration and reduce cost.
On the other side, there are approximately 20 respondents who are disagree on that cloud
application support in maintaining company performance because when they have huge data so
this will overloaded the storage area then it will create issue.
Theme 4: Lower cost is the major benefits of cloud technology to company in increasing
growth
Q4) What are the major benefits of cloud technology to the
company in increasing growth?
Frequency
a) High Flexibility 15
b) Easier maintenance 10
c) Lower cost 20
d) Continuity of business 5
13
30
20
a) Yes
b) No

Interpretation: In an organisation, there are various benefits of cloud application which assist in
enhancing growth and development. This will support in minimise the cost of access and control
server in effective manner. There are 20 respondents who are agree on lower cost because cloud
technology charge very low cost and provide high speed over the internet. Rest of the 15
respondents are believe that higher flexibility is the major advantage, 10 respondents are said
that it is easy maintain and remaining 5 are agree on this will assist in continue the business
operations in proper way.
Theme 5: Data leaking is the challenges of cloud technology which faced by company
Q5) What are the challenges of cloud technology which faced
by company during storing data and information?
Frequency
a) Multi tenancy 15
b) Data leaking 25
c) Data privacy 10
14
15
10
20
5
a) High Flexibility
b) Easier maintenance
c) Lower cost
d) Continuity of business

Interpretation: It can be stated that there are various challenges and issues which are faced by
cloud technology while storing data and information in the Softwire firm. There are around 25
respondents who are agree on data leaking is the major problem which occurs in the company.
Other 15 respondents are agree on multi tenancy because there are large number of clients which
are used server together which slow down the speed of internet. Remaining is data privacy which
is the other major challenge for firm so they adopt new techniques which assist in reducing the
problems related to privacy and security.
Theme 6: Security is the major impact of cloud computing technology for enhancing Softwire
performance
Q6) What is the major impact of cloud computing technology
for enhancing Softwire performance?
Frequency
a) Security and Privacy 25
b) Easy to use 15
c) Reliability 10
15
15
25
10
a) Multi tenancy
b) Data leaking
c) Data privacy

Interpretation: It can be stated that there are several impact of cloud computing technology
which increasing Softwire performance and growth level. There are around 25 respondents who
are agree on that Security and privacy is the major impact of cloud technology that assist in
increasing company performance in better way. 15 respondents are said that it is easy to use
because this is easily store necessary data and information and make them confidential from
others. Rest of the 10 respondents are agree on reliability because cloud application is reliable
because this is rely on local server or personal computer, so clients are using remote servers
through internet to store and manage information.
Theme 7: Cloud application help firm in gaining maximum profitability and income
Q7) Do you think cloud application help firm in gaining
maximum profitability and income?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 20
16
25
15
10
a) Security and Privacy
b) Easy to use
c) Reliability

Interpretation: As per the above table, it can be analysed that cloud technology is useful for
small business enterprises and it will assist in gaining higher profitability and revenue in proper
manner. There are around 30 respondents who are agree on this statement that cloud technology
is beneficial for save cost and access the system at anytime or anywhere. On the other hand,
there are approximately 20 respondents who are disagree on this statement because they believe
it is not easy for sometime to gain maximum revenue and profitability in effective manner.
Theme 8: Store data and information is major usage of cloud techniques in an organisation
Q8) According to you, what is the usage of cloud technique in
an organisation ?
Frequency
a) Store data and information 20
b) Cost reduction 15
c) Optimum utilisation of resources 15
17
30
20
a) Yes
b) No

Interpretation: It can be stated that, cloud technology is very beneficial for the company because
it will help in storing and sharing information in better way. There are different methods and
techniques which assist them in smoothly running of business functions and operations. There
are around 20 respondents who are agree on this statement that cloud application support in store
data and information and other 15 respondents are said that cost reduction help in maintaining
business operations which conduct within an organisation. Remaining is 15 more respondents
who agree on cloud technology is useful for optimum utilisation of resources properly.
Theme 9: Cloud technology assist in enhancing company growth and development
Q9) Do you think, cloud technology assist in enhancing
company growth and development?
Frequency
a) Agree 30
b) Disagree 20
18
20
15
15
a) Store data and information
b) Cost reduction
c) Optimum utilisation of
resources

Interpretation: As per the above table, it can be analysed that cloud application assist in raising
firm growth and performance. There are around 30 respondents who are agree on this
consideration and they believe that cloud computing support in growing company performance
for achieving with desired goals and targets. Remaining 20 respondents who are disagree on this
statement that cloud technique is useful for increasing Softwire success and growth level.
TASK 3
P5
Cloud technology is the process which store and access the program and data on the
internet rather than using hard drive. Most of the companies adopting this method and technique
for gaining high profitability and income. For example, Softwire using cloud application which
help them in saving huge data and information for maintaining company records. The main
purpose of implementing cloud technology in Softwire firm is to gain maximum benefits through
they can take appropriate position in the large market place. Along with this, company are
adopting this technology for kept secure and safe their employees as well as clients data which
are confidential in nature. Cloud technology consist with software and hardware resources which
has been accessible on the computer network and also managed third party facilities. This is
mainly depend upon high tech network of computer host and on the modern software techniques.
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30
20
a) Agree
b) Disagree

In addition to this, there are different types of cloud application such as virtual network
technology and network storage software. The company design this system to provide support to
the huge number of customers. The cloud services need to use cloud technology for store data
which is comprehensive of document emails, media files, calendar and contact information in
better manner. The cloud technique is used for store data and files which required for company.
This can be use for easily storage, access and recovery the needed records. The company also
used this method for store the backup files and information in secure way. It is very easy or
simple and also it does not consume time. It is used for sharing file with the help of cloud
administration system and data analytics. The cloud application provide better results or
outcomes but there are various challenges or issues which has been face while executing
appropriate capital in small and medium organisation. Cloud application can use by firm for
giving effective advantages. As per this result, Softwire can support in secure the system and
keep save relevant data and information so that legal activities can be conducted in better
manner.
TASK 4
P6
In this research report, researcher has been conducted this in order to analyse detailed
study of particular topic in cloud technology. This investigation can be done for perceptive and
evaluating how digital technology help in gaining major advantages. At the time of conducting
research, I required to use primary and secondary method that can assist in gathering and
collecting accurate data and information in better manner. The secondary method of research
help me in assembling correct facts and figures which are helpful in completing such report. In
this, literature describes various authors and scholars views regarding company goods and
services. In addition to this, primary data is effective method which assist them in examining
valid conclusion. Also, I have to develop questionnaire which involves 10 questions and discuss
about research topic. With the help of reflective learning theory, a researcher can use this theory
which main ability to reflect on one's action so they are engage in the procedure of continuous
learning. This involves paying critical attention to the practical values and theories that inform
everyday activities and functions, by analysing or examining practices reflectively and
reflexively.
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P7
In this report, there are various types of alternative which can be used by investigator for
getting accurate results. Instead of questionnaire, I can also adopt other method such as survey
and interview as my alternative investigation technique. Therefore, it is cost and time consuming
method which is make my research appropriate. According to the outcome, it help me in getting
full knowledge and information about views of respondents regarding cloud technology.
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