A Decision Model for the Evaluation and Selection of Cloud Computing Services: A First Step Towards a More Sustainable Perspective

In this paper, we present a decision model for evaluating and selecting Cloud Computing Services. A strong focus is put on the economic, environmental and social perspectives which are subsumed under the term 'sustainable information systems management'. The model supports decision makers in comprehensively evaluating relevant cost types. We seek to formulate a realistic model by applying a combination of deductive and inductive steps to reveal the core characteristics of Cloud Computing Services and their economic, environmental and social impacts. For the construction of the pricing model and the determination of carbon emission costs, we drew on several theoretical and practical sources. The quality of the model is confirmed on the one hand by expert interviews and on the other hand by the outcomes of a simulation study including two scenarios and a statistical evaluation. The presented research results clarify the need to consider more than the economic dimension — including factors and attributes of sustainable information systems management — in evaluating and selecting Cloud Computing Services.

Management Instruments for Sustainable Information Systems Management

The increasing dissemination of information systems (IS) into all areas of business and personal life has drawn attention to its economic, environmental and social effects. IS organizations are becoming aware that they have to take up their responsibility by thinking seriously about sustainability management for information systems. While measures for using computing resources efficiently have received considerable attention, the topic of sustainability in IS management is still lacking theoretical and conceptual foundation. As a contribution to the ongoing discussion of “Green IT”, the purpose of this chapter is to apply the concept of sustainability into the field of IS management using practical concepts such as a procedural model, the balanced scorecard and a maturity model.

Management Instruments for Sustainable Information Systems Management

The increasing dissemination of information systems (IS) into all areas of business and personal life has drawn attention to its economic, environmental and social effects. IS organizations are becoming aware that they have to take up their responsibility by thinking seriously about sustainability management for information systems. While measures for using computing resources efficiently have received considerable attention, the topic of sustainability in IS management is still lacking theoretical and conceptual foundation. As a contribution to the ongoing discussion of “Green IT”, the purpose of this chapter is to apply the concept of sustainability into the field of IS management using practical concepts such as a procedural model, the balanced scorecard and a maturity model.