cloud-computing

The current study clarifies how to scale-up cloud computing in Iran. Therefore, a comprehensive model is designed so as to demonstrate all elements of this scale-up which is provided from some expert point of views who have experienced in this field. The final model could help those who are involved into regulating cloud industry in Iran.

The research methodology of the study is Extended Case Study.  Due to the novelty of the research topic and the lack of a reference model, research components were collected through review of optimal experiences and in-depth interviews with key managers of organizations and regulations. For this reason, we created a theoretical saturation by compiling a protocol of interviews and conversations with 12 senior managers who are struggeling with challenges in cloud computing in Iran. Then, through qualitative content analysis, the components were extracted.

The set of 165 coded-common experiences was identified. Findings were classified into three major categories: 1) basic themes, 2) organizing themes, and 3) inclusive themes. In the inclusive theme of cloud strategy in the national context, we identified three organizing themes, including clarifying vision and strategies, determining the caretaker and approaching cloud computing as the basis of the future of technologies. The prolonged approach to technology is defined by the unity of leadership and sticking to strategy implementation. In the next layer, we determine 3 inclusive themes as a business strategies layer in which platform opportunities, optimization of strategies and market-side strategies are categorized. In platform opportunities, there are 2 organizing themes, including supply opportunities and demand opportunities. However, in the optimization of strategies, domestic benchmarking and foreign benchmarking are categorized, and in market side strategies, there are 5 organizing themes, including market segmentation, the governmental organization as a customer, analysis of their technology maturity level and personalizing of services. The next level is the execution layer in which we place developing resources and systems (optimal resource management, human resources and integrating all structures and processes) and developing infrastructure and value chain (products and services development, sustainable communication infrastructure, step-by-step implementation, capability of domestic providers and cooperation with build partners and universities). The lowest layer is related to ordinary people with generalization and culture-building themes. There are 4 organizing themes, including building public trust, technological compulsion, market-side demand pressure and culture building. In addition to that, there are 2 inclusive themes labeled regulation (with 3 organizing themes) and governance (with 5 organizing themes) in all processes.

Originality/Value: 

Due to the nature of technology, economic, political and social governance of IT industry in Iran, it is necessary to provide a clear roadmap for those who would like to implement this trajectory.

The increasing complexity and prevalence of modern cyber threats have transformed the protection of critical infrastructures and sensitive data into a vital challenge in the digital age. In this context, the convergence of emerging technologies has been proposed as an innovative approach to redefine cybersecurity paradigms. This research, focusing on the combined potential of these technologies, explores the feasibility of transforming cognitive computing from a theoretical concept into an operational tool for countering advanced threats. Utilizing the meta-synthesis method and following the seven-step framework of Sandelowski and Barroso, this study systematically analyzes the domains of cloud computing, quantum computing, and cognitive computing. Accordingly, a three-layer conceptual model has been developed: the infrastructure layer integrating cloud resources and quantum computing, the cognitive layer encompassing self-learning algorithms and cognitive analysis, and the application layer optimizing security decision-making. The convergence of these technologies results in reduced anomaly detection time, improved attack prediction accuracy, and optimized computational resource consumption. Furthermore, the integration of quantum processing in the infrastructure layer enables the resolution of complex nonlinear security problems at scale. The findings confirm that the proposed ecosystem not only enhances cybersecurity situational awareness but also, through reinforcement learning and intelligent resource distribution, provides the capability to respond to unknown threats. This research marks a significant step towards transforming cognitive computing into a scalable autonomous system that can serve as a preventive solution in national cybersecurity architecture.

Information protection is one of the most important issues in human history, culture, and economy. In the past, information was recorded in the form of engraving and writing on stone, ceramics, papyrus, wood, etc., but with the evolution of human civilization, the way to the emergence of new storage media and ways to record information was paved. A sudden change in the field of information storage with the invention of electronic storage media, including all types of disks, audio tapes, magnetic tapes, CDs, etc. V. Days, etc. took place. With the advent of high-speed networks and computers with high-performance quality (large memory and high processing speed), the use of technologies increased rapidly. These technologies enable libraries to easily produce, process, locate, store, and disseminate their information, as well as guarantee long-term protection of stored information and permanent access to that information (Samiei, 2016). With the rapid development of cloud computing, cloud storage and other information technologies, libraries and digital resources increasingly enable users to remotely access a wide range of distributed information resources, regardless of physical storage conditions (Zhu and Du, 2018). Cloud computing reduces the costs of using technology in libraries and expands the capacities and ability to use tools. Integration of resources and information in one space, speed, flexibility, providing services with the possibility of control and measurement, supply based on demand, access to a wide network (Shehzad, 2014), changing the shape of education, expanding cooperation, and most importantly reducing risk and increased security (Boyer & Arste, 2014) is one of the benefits of cloud computing for digital libraries. The present study was conducted with the aim of identifying the views of managers and librarians of Allameh Tabataba’i University libraries regarding digital protection in the cloud environment.

Literature Review:

There are new mechanisms in digital libraries that can be used in the field of digital protection to improve the security of digital resources, and one of these mechanisms is cloud computing. Cloud computing is a model for easily providing a type of network access based on user needs from a shared repository that is derived from configurable computing resources. Examples include networks, servers, applications, and services that are rapidly provisioned and available with minimal management effort and service provider interactions. In the studies that were conducted in the field of the role of cloud computing in library services, including the researches of Fermanlolilab (2015), Sepehr et al. (2015); Sadeghi (2016); Haddad Oskoui (2016); Ghazizadeh et al. (2017); Gabajeh (2011); Sosa-Sosa & Hernandez Ramiz (2012); Oliver & Knight (2015); Corrado & Molaison (2015); Yuvaraj (2016); Spence et al. (2019); Anuyako et al. (2019) and Shawvedi Sarkar (2020) found that the use of cloud computing facilities is effective in reducing costs, increasing productivity and communication. However, the categories of threats and information security are concerns related to the use of cloud computing in libraries. Also, in this regard, concerns about data ownership, portability and cloud portability, and in general, issues related to digital protection are the main bottlenecks in the adoption of cloud technology in digital libraries.

The present study is applied in nature and with a descriptive survey method in two stages. In the first stage, by reviewing the texts of a researcher-made questionnaire with five components: "introduction to the concepts of digital preservation in the cloud", "trust and security of digital preservation in the cloud", "technological infrastructure of digital preservation in the cloud", "organizational status of digital preservation in the cloud environment "and "barriers and challenges of digital preservation in cloud" were prepared and provided to the administrators and librarians of Allameh Tabataba'i University libraries for a survey. This questionnaire was designed on a five-point Likert scale and its reliability was 0.852 using Cronbach's alpha. In the second stage, the collected data were analyzed based on descriptive statistics (mean, median, standard deviation, and variance) and one-sample t-test. Friedman test was also used to rank the factor of "possible challenges and barriers".

The findings showed that the majority of the participants were moderately familiar with the concepts related to digital protection in the cloud environment. Also, from the point of view of managers and librarians of Allameh Tabataba’i University libraries, "the state of trust and security of data in cloud environment protection" and "the availability of technological infrastructure for cloud environment protection in the university" are at a favorable level (p>0.05 -the amount of). The "organizational state of the university for protection in the cloud environment" is at an average and relatively favorable level, and the "knowledge and awareness necessary for protection in the cloud environment among librarians" is at a relatively unfavorable level (p-value < 0.05). On the one hand, from the point of view of the managers and librarians of the libraries of Allameh Tabataba'i University, the most important obstacles and possible problems of protection in the cloud environment, "the risk of return of investment is one of the problems of using the cloud environment for digital protection", "the unaffordability of using the cloud environment is one of the problems using it for digital protection" and "unaffordability of training costs were one of the problems of using the cloud environment for digital protection".

 Regarding the familiarization of library managers and librarians with the topics of digital protection in the cloud environment, it seems that the use of new technologies such as cloud computing in libraries requires more familiarity of managers and librarians with such technologies. Familiarity with the activities that take place in such environments will provide a suitable platform for accepting this technology and using it. In general, the respondents' level of familiarity with the issue of digital protection in the cloud environment was moderate. In the researches of Farmanlou Lilab (2015) and Vivaraj (2016), the application of cloud computing in university libraries was discussed and the relatively good level of familiarity of the employees with cloud computing was pointed out, which is consistent with the results of the present study.

 The results showed that managers and librarians of Allameh Tabataba’i University libraries were moderately familiar with issues related to digital protection in the cloud environment. According to the participants, the state of trust and security of data in cloud environment protection, the availability of technological infrastructure for cloud environment protection in the university at an optimal level, the university's organizational situation for cloud environment protection at a relatively favorable level, and the librarians’ necessary knowledge and awareness for protection in the cloud environment were at a relatively unfavorable level. Also, the obstacles and challenges facing digital protection in the cloud environment were approved by the respondents.

Information technology is the avanguard technology of the modern age that has affected various aspects of life and improved the quality of human life. Cloud computing is the ability to provide information technology resources through the Internet, which offers a new approach compared to traditional approaches in looking at the physical infrastructure of data and applications. Based on the services that can be provided to customers, cloud computing includes three main service models: infrastructure as a service, platform as a service, and software as a service. As a result, cloud computing is a model for providing services in information technology, which allows storing and processing information in It provides internet platform or private networks. The contracts that are concluded between providers and users of cloud computing services are mainly standard or supplementary contracts. Legal relations in the field of cloud computing are regulated by contracts known as service level agreements and data related laws. Technically and legally, these contracts must be completely carefully prepared. To pay attention to both aspects are necessary and mandatory. The cloud computing contract, like other contracts, is subject to the general rules of contracts in terms of the conditions of conclusion; Like all contracts, both parties must have a serious and healthy will, their law should be recognized for the transaction, the purpose of the contract should be legitimate and its subject should be clear and certain.

Due to the innovations in the IT industry in recent years, the dependence on cloud computing technology has increased. Cloud computing has grown significantly in recent years and its adoption is a current infrastructure challenge for the software industry, as it creates a fundamental change in this industry. Despite the extensive benefits of cloud computing services, the adoption of these services by organizations remains limited and many software companies are hesitant to adopt this technology for various reasons. This study examines the factors affecting organizational decisions to adopt cloud computing using the technology-organization-environment framework.

This research utilizes a combination of methods, including the systematic literature review approach proposed by Kitchenham and Charters (2007), content analysis, and thematic analysis. A total of 26 articles published between 2014 and 2024 were selected. Supplementary data were collected through interviews with nine senior decision-makers specializing in software and cloud computing from leading Iranian software companies.

The results indicate that technological factors such as security, complexity, compatibility, and relative advantage; organizational factors including top management support, organizational size, and cost savings; and environmental factors such as competitive pressure, supportive policies, and external expertise are the most critical components influencing cloud computing adoption in Iran’s software industry. Balancing these factors is essential to accelerating digital transformation within organizations.

This study highlights the significance of addressing all technological, organizational, and environmental aspects by identifying and categorizing these factors. The findings suggest that organizations focusing on these elements can facilitate cloud computing adoption and achieve digital transformation. Special attention to supportive policies and infrastructure development can play a pivotal role in enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Iran's software industry.

The current research was conducted with the aim of designing a model for using cloud computing in Small and medium-sized enterprise. This study is a developmental in terms of its purpose and it is a qualitative research in terms of the nature of data collection and analysis, and was conducted using the grounded theory method. The statistical population consists of experts and entrepreneurs in the field of handicrafts and university professors of Kermanshah city, among which 14 people were selected as sample members by snowball sampling. semi-structured interviews was used for data collection. The results show that improving competitive advantages and improving operational processes explain why cloud computing should be used in these Enterprise. The findings also indicate that cultural-management facilitators, infrastructural facilitators and facilitators related to cloud computing are among the factors that can act as contextual factors. In addition, two categories of intervening factors (promoting and inhibiting factors) can affect the use of these technologies in these enterprises. The strategies of using cloud computing are also identified at two enterprises and environmental levels, and the consequences of using these technologies are also identified in four categories of operational, managerial-executive, entrepreneurial and competitive consequences.

This research aimed to conduct a comparative study of in-service teacher training models in Iran, utilizing cloud computing technology, in comparison with the selected countries.

The study employed a comparative-exploratory design and utilized a qualitative research method. Initially, exploratory interviews were conducted with experts, and the collected data were analyzed using cloud-based thematic analysis. Following this, the key dimensions and components identified in the previous stage were compared with in-service teacher training models based on cloud computing in the selected countries (UK, USA, China, India, and Sweden) using George F. Bereday's (1969) four-stage comparative method.

The findings showed that the dimensions and components affecting the in-service training model of Iranian teachers in the cloud computing context include: 5 dimensions and 19 components including: cultural (3 components), managerial (5 components), material and physical (2 components), technology (5 components) and human resources (4 components). The components of this model were compared with the selected countries and the findings of the comparative analysis also indicated that there were 12 common components and 8 non-common components between the in-service training model of teachers in the cloud computing context of Iran and the selected countries.

Based on the research findings, it is recommended that policymakers and planners of training programs in Iran consider the divergent aspects between Iran and the countries with significant expertise in this area to enhance the quality of their educational programs.

This research aims to investigate the digital transformation strategies implemented at Tabriz University in response to the changing landscape of global education influenced by technological advancements.

Methodlogy:

 A qualitative approach with an interpretive paradigm was utilized for this study. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis based on semi-structured interviews with seventeen professors, IT experts, and specialists in virtual education and new technologies, chosen purposefully for their expertise. Validation of the research model was conducted through external review and pluralism strategies.

The study identified key digital transformation strategies at the university, including recognition of digital education needs, targeting evolutionary development of education and research, defining digital transformation tools such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence, and creating value for the university through program management and process integration.

The results highlight the importance of digital transformation as a dynamic strategy requiring technical, process, and cultural changes for effective implementation and advancement in education and research.

Value: 

This research contributes valuable insights into developing digital transformation strategies for universities, specifically in enhancing education and research practices within the context of technological advancements.

Information, knowledge, and the emergence of cloud computing undoubtedly serve as the keystone for the growth and success of businesses, catalyzing entrepreneurial development. This research is focused on modelling the application of cloud computing in small entrepreneurial businesses, particularly within the craft industries. The study adopts a qualitative approach, employing the Grounded Theory methodology. The participants consisted of experts in the craft sector from Kerman, among whom 14 were selected using purposive sampling and the principle of theoretical saturation. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using coding techniques with the support of MAXQDA software. The analysis identified 17 categories grouped into six primary classes of the foundational theory, which include Causal Conditions:  quality and cost of services, business size, technological infrastructure and employee trust. Contextual Conditions included long-term and short-term goals, business focus, and Platforms for creating business innovation. Intervening Conditions included the culture of technology development within the organization, the nature of the product/service, and the connection with cloud computing models. Strategies included management of organizational resources, development of organizational infrastructures, and business strategy. Consequences included international market, economic and social development, and Innovative products/services. The results demonstrate that applying cloud computing in developing craft businesses requires careful consideration of effective mechanisms within this process. Craft businesses adopting modern technologies and cloud computing will increase profitability and higher efficiency. Therefore, it is recommended that support and facilities be enhanced with an emphasis on developing modern technologies in the craft industries of Kermanshah.

Cloud accounting refers to performing basic accounting tasks, such as managing and balancing ledgers, using software that resides in the cloud and is often provided primarily as a service. Considering the great importance of risk reduction strategies in the adoption of cloud accounting, the purpose of the present study is to investigate the design of cloud accounting risk reduction strategies model in Iran. The research methodology is a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, which was carried out to collect the components of cloud accounting risk reduction strategies from a qualitative method by examining the theoretical and theoretical bases and performing a fuzzy Delphi analysis with the participation of 16 members of the accounting faculty as experts. In the quantitative part, which was done with the participation of 12 faculty members of the accounting field, it seeks to design the model. The results of the research show that the most basic strategies to reduce the risks of cloud accounting based on the prioritization done is the formulation of the adoption plan. Also, at the highest level and the least effective strategies to reduce cloud accounting risks is providing timely and adequate training for employees.

The purpose of improving human resources is to enhance the skills and abilities of employees by optimizing the conditions, facilities, and overall atmosphere of their work environment. The performance of human resources is the cornerstone of any organization's success. Evaluatingan organization's performance should be strategically designed and implemented to enhance the capabilities of its human resources. The purpose of this research is to develop a human resource improvement model based on cloud computing for Tejarat Bank.
The research method employed is of an applied nature, utilizing a mixed exploratory approach that combines both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The statistical population for the qualitative stage consisted of 70 banking and university experts. This was applied in accordance with the research objectives and was descriptive in terms of implementation, utilizing a mixed exploratory approach (qualitative-quantitative). In 2022, the statistical population for the qualitative stage was comprised of 30 banking and university experts, and the sample size was determined to be 360 individuals based on the Krejcie and Morgan table. Simple random sampling was employed for this study. To identify the components of human resource improvement, the Delphi method was employed over four rounds. Additionally, the structural equation modeling technique was utilized to design the model, using Smart PLS3 software.
The findings from the Delphi study indicated that the enhancement of human resources through cloud computing at Tejarat Bank encompasses 46 components categorized into four dimensions: educational improvement, professional development, organizational enhancement, and individual growth. Based on the results of structural equation modeling, it can be concluded that the dimensions of educational improvement, professional development, organizational enhancement, and individual growth have a positive and significant impact on the advancement of human resources at Tejarat Bank, with coefficients of 0.864, 0.571, 0.701, and 0.622, respectively.
It is recommended that cloud computing, as utilized in the banks of advanced countries, be adopted as a foundation for enhancing the training of Bank Tejarat's personnel. Additionally, the primary obstacles to improving training and professionalism should be identified by a team of experts, and proactive measures should be taken to address these challenges.

Information technology governance provides an organizational capability for the strategic alignment of information technology by clarifying the structures, processes and stakeholders. The development of this capability is more necessary in the more complex environment of cloud computing and for each actor of this ecosystem. The development of the information technology governance framework based on governance theories appropriate to the organization's environment significantly increase the success rate of this framework in realizing the strategic partnership approach of information technology with business and is a basic technology for establishing the processes required to achieve the organization's maximum goals. In this article, by determining and analyzing the basic theories of information technology governance and cloud computing governance, stakeholder theories and cost-transaction in the organizations using cloud computing resources, selected and then using the qualitative method of combining theories and based on the participation of all stakeholders (stakeholder theory) and resource-risk approach (cost-transaction theory), a hybrid basic governance theory has been developed.

A graphical user interface is a fundamental part of any software application as it enables users to interact with an application’s functionality, allowing interaction between computer software and hardware. The hybrid nature is a feature of GUIs. Therefore, it can qualify for all three forms of intellectual property protection: patent, copyright, and trademark. Each of these three forms has its pros and cons in terms of protecting graphical user interfaces. However, industrial design rights eventually seem to be the best system for protecting graphical user interfaces. Therefore, this study mainly focuses on the industrial design protection for the GUIs as well as the industrial design protection of GUIs in WTO member states, and in some cases, a comparison has been made with the Iranian legal system. A review of different legal systems indicates that in cases where the user interface is to be supported in more than one country, and at the international level, some points such as the scope of protection, filing routes and priority rights should be considered, and suggestions have been presented for modification of the protection system of GUIs as well as synchronization of protections. Furthermore, there are legal issues with respect to cloud computing and graphical user interfaces that need to be considered, including the protection of the intellectual property of both the user and the provider.

Cloud computing is a new technology that has attracted the attention of the world of information technology. One of the systems based on cloud computing technology is the cloud ERP of the System group, which is operating as a new service delivery model. The main purpose of this research is to evaluate the model for improving the quality of customer service in cloud processing centers. This research is applied in terms of purpose and survey-descriptive in terms of method. The research data was collected by a researcher-made questionnaire, based on which the service quality, including four components of speed, accuracy, security, and continuity, was evaluated as the main indicators of cloud computing-based service acceptance. The statistical population of this research is all the companies that use the cloud processing services of the Systemgroup. Currently, about 100 organizations directly benefit from the services of this company. The research results indicate that the reviewed cloud solutions model can guarantee up to 57.5% improvement in the quality of customer service in the system partners company. In this model, the speed variable (0.203) has the highest coefficient of influence on quality improvement compared to other variables. After that, security (0.148) is the most effective variable on quality improvement in the model. Finally, accuracy (0.133) and finally, continuity (0.047) are placed in the next ranks respectively.