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Cloud computing: global trends and challenges for Russia in the time of sanctions

Relevance. Cloud computing brings significant benefits to economy; the speed of its adoption is crucial for emerging as well as for established businesses. In 2022, since the sanctions against Russia were introduced, the dynamically developing Russian cloud market has been dealing with new challenges, which require scholarly attention. Research Objective. The purpose of this study is to summarize the key factors that determine cloud adoption globally, identify the peculiarities of the Russian cloud market and outline the prospects for the development of cloud computing in Russia, taking into account the sanctions imposed in 2022. Data and methods. The study relies on the statistical data from global databases and market surveys. The methodological framework of the study comprises comparative analysis and scenario methods. Results. The main drivers of cloud adoption are infrastructural, economic, social and legal factors. Even though in some of these parameters Russia has achieved good results, the overall level of adoption of cloud services in the country is quite low. The Russian cloud market has a large share of local players, but the negative factor is SMEs’ reluctance to move to the cloud. Further growth in this sphere is possible, however, even if the size of the cloud market shrinks. Conclusions. The 2022 sanctions have posed a major threat to the Russian cloud market as they affected the segments of the critical IT infrastructure. However, there is likelihood that local cloud service providers might be able to substitute global providers. In many ways, it depends on the success of import substitution programs in the field of IT equipment, the policy of local providers, legislative support, and businesses’ willingness to move to the cloud.