This study utilized Glaser’s classic grounded theory to investigate the critical security and technical barriers to the continuance use of cloud storage services by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and to also determine which of these factors was of higher priority to decision-makers. In addition to observation, research data was collected through a semi-structured interview of twenty IT specialists with current cloud storage service experience. Participants were decision-makers directly in charge of technology adoption in SMEs based in the United States. Results from the data analysis uncovered the major security and technical concerns of cloud storage service users. Furthermore, the results indicated that security vulnerability was of higher concern and the most influential barrier to the continuance use of cloud storage service by SMEs. This study expanded discussions on the security and technical inhibitors or barriers to the continuance use of cloud storage service from the perspective of IT decision-makers.

cloud storage, continuance use, security threat, SMEs, grounded theory