Intelligent Cloud Solutions Bridging Technology Gaps for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Introduction: Cloud computing has become a revolutionary technology with many features especially in terms of cost reduction, availability of space and time for strategic enterprise evolution for any company, no matter the size of the company. SMEs have adopted cloud solutions at a slow pace because of several factors including security, lack of expertise and resource constrains among others. This review aims to explore the potential of intelligent cloud solutions in bridging the technology gap for SMEs and facilitating their digital transformation. Materials and Methods: In this research study, the use of literature review data collection was adopted as the method of collecting information on cloud computing trends and adoptions, challenges that faces SMEs and the contribution of intelligent cloud solutions in responding to these challenges from published research articles and industry reports from credible academic databases. This process involved formulation of the problem under study, search for material relevant to the problem, selection of material, collection of the material and organization and summary of the findings of the material collected. Results: The study exposed that SMEs encounter following challenges with cloud adoption; They have small budgets; They lack adequate technical skills; They are doubtful of security and privacy; and They have resistance to change. Though, superior intelligent clouds like cloud-ERP, BI, and cloud-secured solutions appear as potential opportunities to solve these challenges. These solutions tap on next-generation technologies such as ML/AI and data analysis to introduce SMEs to affordable, scalable, and secure business technologies. Discussion: The review also underscores what intelligent clouds mean to SMEs and their opportunity to adopt the latest technologies and innovation in order to transform and gain a competitive edge. With cloud-based ERP and BI system integration, SMEs are able to introduce better values attached to decision making, resources and the flow of business. Also, the use of cloud security solutions is possible to reduce the potential threats, and ensure the safety of strictly confidential data, which is an essential issue for SMEs. This review also investigates the involvement of cloud service providers in meeting SMEs’ special needs, user training and change management, as well as the interfacing of cloud solutions with current systems. Further, the review addresses the role of new technologies including Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) in partnership with cloud computing to increase the performance of SMEs. Conclusion: Intelligent cloud solutions can help SMEs to apply advanced technologies to compete in digital environment after analysing the abovementioned factors. However, for the CPO to be successful, there are some key factors that should be considered or probably managed; change management, skill management and system integration among others. More empirical studies are required to examine ideal models, frameworks and examine the effects of intelligent cloud solutions on performance and growth of SMEs in the long-run.