Cloud Computing For Micro, Small & Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) In North India Especially in Jammu & Kashmir

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face numerous challenges in identification, setting up and making use of information technology (IT) as an enabler for business. Cloud computing could solve this problem by offering ready, low cost of entry IT solutions. The micro, small and medium scale organizations in Jammu and Kashmir are still in nascent state as far as use of IT systems is concerned, though they play a pivotal role in the overall industrial economy of the State. Further analysis of this problem reveals that there are number of barriers which come in the way of MSMEs adopting to new IT systems. Cloud Computing constitutes an alternative for organizations who do not intend to invest in in-house IT resources. They also lack the financial power required to adopt latest information technology and so cannot grow beyond a certain point. The barriers faced by MSMEs in adopting latest IT systems are actually enablers for adoption of cloud computing. One main reason for MSMEs to ignore recent developments in information technology is lack of awareness. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) assure economic growth in Jammu & Kashmir. Cloud Computing offers many opportunities and could help companies to improve their business and use technology more efficiently. In this paper a short presentation of Cloud Computing and advantages for SMEs, This paper critically analyzes enablers and barriers in adoption of cloud computing by MSMEs. It also attempts to create awareness, answering many concerns about cloud computing that can be used by MSMEs. It suggests use of cloud computing by MSMEs in Jammu & Kashmir thereby reducing upfront investments, costs and improving efficiency and flexibility.