Preparedness of the Czech Small Businesses for using Public Cloud Services

Abstract

Purpose of the article

Adequate readiness of employees is a necessary prerequisite of wider cloud computing
use in small businesses (SB). The aim of the paper is to analyze selected aspects in relation to individuals and
enterprises in selected EU countries from the point of view of preparedness of the SB for communication with
using public cloud computing sevices.

Methodology/methods

The analysis and synthesis methods have been utilized and analyses using methods of
descriptive statistics and methods of multivariate statistical analysis will be performed to obtain additional information.
In the paper was used data available from the Czech Statistical Office.

Scientific aim

The indicators of the economic level of the country in question can be used as the general criterion
for the assessment of intensity of more efficient ICT; however, experiences and readiness of the employees
need to be taken into account as well. The scientific aim of the paper is to identify the critical points of using
public cloud computing services in SB as the part of the future competitive advantage.

Findings

In an international comparison of SB, public cloud computing services use is relatively low in some
EU countries, which is also confirmed by multivariate data analysis. Moreover, it can be stated that the motivation
of SB for the use of cloud is insufficient in many respects.

Conclusions

SB in the European Union and elsewhere have been facing ever growing requirements in respect of
digitization. They have to apply all directives and acts along with the requirements for an efficient, simple and
user-friendly form of communication. To choose a usable solution in connection with the available sources is the
key aspect of the effectivness, not only in terms of financial sources but also human resources in these businesses.
The paper analyses preparedness to usage of the cloud computing services in the Czech Republic as compared to
EU countries with the aim to characterise other possibilities of how to improove the usage of these services by
SB.
Based on the analyses made, the author state that there is still room to improve preparedness the use of public
cloud computing services. In the conclusion, the article characterises the key aspects supporting the development
in this area.