Tools and requirements to consider when migrating to cloud

Abstract

In today’s software development environment, more and more enterprises are interested in using cloud computing to provide them with everything from data storage to processing power, features which previously could only be achieved through building their own data centers, something deemed not feasible for many companies. The adoption of cloud computing does however require a sizable effort, since it includes changes both to the architecture of the enterprises system and their work flow. This study aims to evaluate one proposed tool to help enterprises adopt cloud computing, the Technology Suitability Analysis (TSA), as well as provide empirical data on how a company providing a platform as a service prioritize architectural requirements connected to cloud computing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted following the questions of TSA with added evaluation of its usefulness, and data was gathered on requirement prioritization in the form of distributed questionnaires and analysis of an architectural document. The findings of this study showcase TSA to be a helpful tool in building a catalog of basic needs, but further questioning connected to the user specific use case is needed to provide a full understanding of what is needed.