It's unwritten in the Cloud: the technology enablers for realising the promise of Cloud Computing

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate, through arguments, the enabling factors that are expected to facilitate the adoption of Cloud Computing. Design/methodology/approach – The approach is based on the study of the recent developments in ICT and the authors' views and arguments as to how such advancements are expected to lead to an increased adoption of Cloud Computing. Findings – Several ICT areas have to be developed in conjunction for the promise of Cloud Computing to be realised. These include (but are not limited to) the development of parallel programming paradigms and open source software, Cloud access to high performance computing, Green IT, investment in low‐cost access‐cum‐computing devices and hi‐speed networks. Originality/value – The paper identifies the current advances in ICT and its expected influence on the adoption of Cloud computing. Furthermore, it lays emphasis on the developing economies and discusses the low‐cost technologies and infrastructure investments (including government subsidies) required to provide Cloud‐access to the masses.