Value Creation Using Clouds: Analysis of Value Drivers for Start-Ups and Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in the Textile Industry

Cloud Computing is increasingly emerging in support of the acronym "Anything as a Service" (XaaS). Whereas its benefits have been delineated frequently in the literature, no model has yet attempted to show how such applications are able to leverage business value in practice. The paper presents a systematic analysis of value drivers and leverages of clouds with emphasis on start-ups and SMEs, both in B2B and B2C markets, a case study on the textile and apparel industry pinpoints how various aspects and characteristics of cloud computing can be at the roots of successful value creation and hence, increased competitiveness.