Cloud computing procurement and implementation: Lessons learnt from a United Kingdom case study

The United Kingdom Public Sector delivers a wide range of public services to the citizen. These complex service delivery functions are underpinned by sophisticated information technology and information system solutions. The information technology and systems field is rapidly changing, developing and emerging. A recent evolution is Cloud Computing, where information technology and systems are hosted outside the host organisation, on the internet by third parties. There is a need for the Public Sector to review these solutions to determine whether they are feasible and advantageous. This case study investigates the rationale for the implementation of Cloud Computing in a practical setting and from a user perspective in a United Kingdom Public Sector organisation. The analysis demonstrates how the Cloud Computing solution was deployed and these findings are then mapped against the current research. The case also identifies a set of practical lessons for future Cloud Computing implementation. The findings and lessons learned will benefit other analysts implementing Cloud Computing and undertaking Cloud Computing research.