Abstract

Cloud Computing (CC) is a computing paradigm that besides its positive outlook is also associated with risks and uncertainties. As a consequence, trust in CC providers is an important antecedent for CC adoption. Trust is a perception which is shaped by communication. From the perspective of CC providers, websites are a convenient way for contacting potential clients. Literature suggests applying trust-inducing features to websites in order to raise CC providers’ trustworthiness. These trust-inducing features are classified into three website design dimensions, namely visual, social cue and content design. The goal of our study is to analyze whether leading CC Providers make use of these design recommendations. We find that some website features are used by all CC providers while other website elements are used less frequently. Consequently, there is a need to investigate why certain website elements have not been adapted by CC providers. Moreover, there are differences in how providers embed trust-critical information such as technical information, or storage locations. By getting an impression about how cloud providers in practice design their websites with regard to trust this article may stimulate the discussion and further research on how trust can be created by CC providers via their websites.

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