Risks and Uncertainties in Cloud Computing: Literature Review, Trends and Gaps

This study aims to characterize risks and uncertainties in the cloud computing context. A Systematic Review of the cloud computing literature was conducted focusing on publications on risks and uncertainties and combining techniques such as bibliometric analysis, network analysis and content analysis. Using the definitions of risk and uncertainty, this review maps how these concepts are used and in which contexts they occur. The study find that the main sources of risks and uncertainties were: strategic viability of outsourcing or offering certain services, weaknesses in the business model, vendor maturity, behavioral tradition and hiring of third party services.