Assessing the use of cloud computing for records management in selected organisations in Namibia

This multi-case study assessed the use of cloud computing for records management in selected private organisations in Namibia. The study’s objectives were to assess the drivers and benefits of adopting cloud computing for records management; analyse the cloud computing services and deployment models adopted by the organisations; assess the risks of managing records in the cloud; and identify measures to mitigate risks of managing records in the cloud. A qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews was employed for data collection. The study population comprised of Namibian organisations using cloud computing and offering cloud computing services for records management. Four private organisations were conveniently selected. Seven participants comprising information technology (IT) staff from cloud computing service-providing organisations and records management staff from both a cloud computing service client organisation and a cloud computing service provider were purposively selected for the study. Data was analysed through content analysis. The study found that Namibian organisations adopted cloud computing for records management. However, cloud providers refered to information managed on the cloud as ‘data’. The study findings established that organisations adopted cloud computing due to its flexibility and affordability. Significant lack of records management expertise in both cloud computing service providers and client organisations was evident. The study further established that records management legal and regulatory framework had not received comprehensive attention by both cloud computing service providers and client organisations. Namibia’s current legal and regulatory framework is weak on the management of electronic records. The introduction of new laws relating to managing electronic records will be instrumental to the success of using cloud computing to manage records. The findings also highlighted that managing records in the cloud presented some risks and challenges such as non-compliance with laws, uncertain records security, and poor knowledge of records management. The study concluded that the cloud computing services provided and adopted by the Namibian organisations were not fully viable for the proper management of electronic records and there was a need for the customisation of cloud computing services to meet records management standards and practices. The study proposed a framework for adopting cloud computing for records management in Namibia.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Namibia

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Karlos, Alina Ndapunikwa

• Cloud computing
• Electronic records management
• Information and communication technology

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11070/3667

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.unam.edu.na:11070/3667