Impact of Cloud Computing on Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

Purpose: This study sought to explore the impact of cloud computing on business continuity and disaster recovery. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to cloud computing on business continuity and disaster recovery. Preliminary empirical review revealed that cloud computing significantly enhanced organizational resilience and recovery capabilities by providing scalable, flexible, and cost-efficient solutions. It highlighted that while cloud-based solutions reduced recovery times and minimized operational downtime, organizations needed to address challenges related to data security, regulatory compliance, and integration with existing systems. The effectiveness of these solutions varied depending on factors such as cloud deployment type and organizational needs. Overall, the study affirmed that cloud computing offered substantial benefits for disaster recovery but required a thoughtful approach to integration and management. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory, Contingency Theory and Dynamic Capabilities Theory may be used to anchor future studies on cloud computing on business continuity and disaster recovery. The study recommended that organizations develop tailored cloud-based disaster recovery solutions aligned with their specific needs and risk profiles. It advocated for the creation of industry-specific guidelines and standards to address challenges such as data sovereignty and vendor lock-in, and for policymakers to streamline regulatory requirements. The study also suggested that organizations adopt a phased approach to cloud implementation, conduct thorough risk assessments, and establish robust management practices. Future research was encouraged to explore the long-term impacts of cloud computing on disaster recovery and to investigate the role of emerging technologies in enhancing cloud-based solutions.