Challenges and Prospects for Cloud-Based Enterprise Systems in Tradition-Focused Cultures: A Design Thinking Case Study

Levchenko A., Taratukhin V.

Abstract

Cloud-based enterprise systems, a growing segment in the global market for enterprise IT solutions, have met with strong resistance in traditions-focused cultures such as Japan’s. Low cloud concept utilization has caused difficulties during the coronavirus pandemic, as remote work was not always technically possible due to the limitations of on-premises solutions. Our work applied Design Thinking methodology to form a foundation stone upon which cloud providers may build a Cloud Mindset in Japan and similar markets. This article considers both the endogenous agility that SaaS can engender with organisations and the exogenous possibilities that it brings about in terms of connections with other organisations. It describes the case study and covers six phases, from understanding the problem to testing a prototype of the solution. The research aims to act as a practical inquiry into the appliance of Design Thinking methodology in the new, challenging field of building Cloud Mindsets in multi-language environments. Consideration of the cultural semiosphere forms a necessary element of the research. The scientific achievement of this work is to make useful modifications to the classical methodology in this field. The practical value of the work lies in its applications for cloud providers in countries with similar cultural aspects to Japan.