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Cloud computing is a technological innovation that is being adopted at a fast rate by consumers due to the increased usage of information services and need to store information in an online environment (Alshamaila & Papagiannidis, 2013). Cloud technology enables consumers to use existing information technology services by reducing upfront costs associated with buying hardware and software services (Marston, Li, Bandyopadhyay, Chang & Ghalsasi, 2011). Consumers also use cloud computing services as this emerging technology can be integrated within existing technology practices (Wang & Lin, 2012). The main advantage for consumers using cloud computing technology is that information can be accessed in any time and geographic location (Stein, Ware, Laboy & Schaffer, 2013).
In the past consumers could only access online information via certain technology devices (Leyman, Fenling, Mietzner, Novak & Dustdar, 2011). The advances in technology innovations made possible by cloud computing has led to consumers having better convenience to online data via numerous computing devices that encourages sharing and uploading of real time information via cyber networks (Ojala & Puhakka, 2013). Consumers using cloud computing services can access online information in a self-service format with minimal interaction with the service provider (Chonka, Xiang, Zhou & Bonti, 2011). Previously this human-computer interaction was only possible to consumers who had access to large data servers that required money to update and use (Basri, 2013).
Despite the common usage of the term ‘cloud computing’ there is a lack of consensus about its correct definition. This is due to cloud computing referring to software as a service, platform as a service and web services depending on the type of computing usage (Chonka, 2011). In addition, the increase in usage of big data and grid computing has lead to cloud computing referring to any technology service being delivered via the internet. In this paper, due to the focus on consumer behaviour the definition of cloud computing adopted is the use of remote online computer servers over the internet to provide on-demand access and usage of information technology (Alshamaila & Papagiannidis, 2013).
Consumers can use cloud computing services as a comprehensive technological innovation that can be accessed on-demand. This encourages consumers to use computer infrastructure as a way to generate information that is constantly expanded and converged (Karakas & Manisaligil, 2012). The digital ecosystem of information provided by online services enables multiple usages of technology services that vary depending on consumer needs and usage requirements (Yuruv, Greenstein, Shanley & Potter, 2013).
This paper is structured as follows. First, the theoretical premise of the paper is discussed, which focuses on innovation theory. Second, the research hypotheses are developed from the technology acceptance model and social cognitive theory and related to consumer’s intention to use cloud computing services. Third, the research method is explained and the analysis results stated. This leads to a discussion on the managerial and practical implications of cloud computing by consumers in both the United States and China. Finally, the limitations and future research suggestions are highlighted.