Cloud Computing: An Operational Framework in the Implementation of ERP

The present scenario for ERP is the shift from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud environment through utilization of cloud computing technologies. The characteristics of cloud computing offers many promises to cloud-based ERP systems. Cloud based ERP is an alternative to on-premises ERP systems. To implement ERP system with the help of cloud based technology faces many challenges. ERP system implementation is very painful, complex and time consuming and generate the necessity of a massive change in ERP framework to enhance ERP systems infrastructure and functionality. Cloud Computing (CC) platform possess the ability to overcome ERP systems discrepancies with cost-effective, customized and highly available computing resources. Cloud computing is a set of services that provide infrastructure resources using internet media and data storage on a third party server. The research presented in this paper, proposes a framework which is the sandwich of Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory and Technological-Organizational-Environmental (TOE) framework. The various components of DOI and TOE are integrated in such a manner that gives the flavour of ERP. All the constituents of DOI and TOE are spindled with the concept of Cloud computing. The present framework is a generic framework which is in favour of SMEs. Keywords— Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP); Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); Cloud Computing (CC); Diffusion of Innovation (DOI); Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE).