Assessing the challenges and benefits of implementing cloud computing within the Maltese public sector

Abstract

The intended outcome for this dissertation is to analyse the role cloud computing has or is having on the Maltese public sector. The main objective is to identify the core benefits and challenges Maltese public sector organisations face when implementing such systems and how they are overcome. Moreover, secondary objectives include identifying what led to the shift towards the cloud and how it affected job roles and stability. The data collection used was that of qualitative research through interviews. These interviews were conducted with Chief Information Officers who operate solely within the Maltese public sector. As a result of the interviews conducted, several benefits and challenges were highlighted. Some of the benefits include lower costs, agility, scalability, and productivity. Whereas challenges included security, legal concerns, and performance. A specific challenge that was not mentioned throughout the literature review but was found to be of great impact is a lack of expertise on the Maltese islands. Furthermore, it was highlighted that no current roles within the local public sector accommodate any cloud-based roles. As a result, organisations are not able to reap the pure benefits of the cloud. Following the findings from the data collection, several suggestions emerged. To begin with, the Maltese public sector should heavily invest resources into the proper training of staff who are to be working with cloud infrastructure. Moreover, new job roles such as cloud architects, cloud engineers, and cloud migration specialists must be created to accommodate the current and future demands.