Exploring vendor capabilities in the cloud environment: a case study of Alibaba Cloud Computing

Zhang, Gongtao; Ravishankar, M.N.

Abstract

Cloud computing has been viewed as an effective enabler for enhanced operational efficiency and flexibility in the present-day intensely competitive business environment. Despite the increased knowledge on cloud computing, very few studies have been conducted to explore vendors' capabilities for service development and delivery. This gap prevents us from developing a full understanding of the service provision process and the actions through which vendors develop cloud services and create value for clients. In this paper, we present an in-depth qualitative case study of Alibaba Cloud Computing, China’s biggest Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) vendor, and identify five important capabilities, namely, cloud platform development, cloud platform deployment, IaaS imitation, IaaS commercialization, and IaaS improvement. We suggest that these capabilities and the associated actions are central to vendors’ adoption of cloud computing, acquisition of knowledge, and delivery and improvement of their cloud service provision. This paper contributes incrementally to the evolving scholarship on cloud computing and also offers useful guidelines for current and aspiring vendors.

Citation

Zhang, G., & Ravishankar, M. (2018). Exploring vendor capabilities in the cloud environment: a case study of Alibaba Cloud Computing. Information and Management, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2018.07.008

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 24, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Aug 3, 2018
• Publication Date: Aug 3, 2018
• Deposit Date: Sep 12, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 4, 2020
• Print ISSN: 0378-7206
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2018.07.008
• Keywords: Cloud computing, Qualitative case study, Vendors' capabilities, Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS)
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1072473
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378720617311199
• Contract Date: Sep 12, 2018