Cloud computing is not a new technology but rather a new way of delivering computing resources. It promises many widely-publicised benefits — such as cost savings, improved reliability, security improvements, and access to services and data from multiple devices.

The research problem investigated in this research is:

How do perceived barriers and enablers associated with cloud computing affect adoption in the government sector?

Firstly, a literature review was undertaken to answer the question: What factors should be considered when adopting cloud computing?

The literature on this matter is scant, however factors were identified and used to develop a preliminary theoretical model using Lawrence Lessig’s (1999) pathetic dot theory. To explain how the factors affect adoption, a method was developed to marry Fred Davis’ (1987) Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with Tornatzky and Fleischer’s (1990) Technology Organisation Environment (TOE) framework.

Three research issues were then identified:

• Research issue 1: What variables from common technology acceptance models exist as cloud computing adoption barriers and enablers in the government sector?
• Research issue 2: What, if any, specific cloud computing variables exist?
• Research issue 3: How do the variables interact with each other in cloud computing adoption decisions?

To investigate these, a mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating qualitative and quantitative analyses. Convergent interviews were held to build on the knowledge base, refine the extended TAM–TOE cloud computing framework and to finalise the theoretical model. A survey methodology was then used to gather additional data to further refine and finalise the extended TAM–TOE cloud computing framework.

The development and confirmation of the final TAM–TOE extended cloud computing framework is the main contribution of this theory-building research because it is the first rigorous study and knowledge base that can be used as a step towards understanding the important factors influencing cloud computing adoption by government agencies in Australia.