Institutionalized Cloud Clients

Abstract: The paradigm of of cloud computing have brought with it the challenge of vendor lock-in, preventing customers from choose from alternative vendors and induces substantial costs for switching provider. Since only a limited number of in-depth studies who investigate the complexity of cloud lock-in problem within enterprise organizations exist, this thesis tries to describe the measures taken by companies to avoid the issue of vendor lock-in from a strategic perspective. The factors of measures taken were seen as Informed decision-making, Contract review and negotiation, and Risk mitigation. The study found that vendor lock-in is of secondary concern for deciding the actions of business enterprises, but that standard operating procedures and by prioritizing functionality and usability vendor lock-in risks can be lowered.