An overview of cloud systems and supply chains in Jordan

Abstract

In line with the focus of this book on cloud systems and supply chain firms, it is appropriate to provide a background of cloud systems implementation, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Information Systems (IS) in Jordan. The chapter briefly sets out the governmental, educational and business uses of IT and IS in Jordan, and is followed by a more specific examination of cloud systems adoption by firms in the country. ICT brings benefits to supply chain firms and their Trading Partners (TPs), but these benefits require planning, knowledge and deep understanding. Additionally, this technology comes with barriers that need to be overcome such as security, infrastructure and legal issues. Therefore, it is important to investigate and analyze the totality of the benefits of ICT adoption, which will definitely affect the marketing behavior of supply chain firms and their TPs in the near future. UNCTAD (2012) stated that enterprises in developing countries that are, or plan to be, involved in international trade need to start incorporating ICT and cloud systems into their business models in order to stay competitive. The Jordanian Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (MICT) (2012) defines “ICT readiness” as the degree of preparation of a nation or community to participate in and benefit from ICT development. In addition, the Economist Intelligence Unit (2012) reported that Jordan was ranked 54th worldwide (out of 68 entries) according to its IT and IS readiness rankings. This indicates that many conditions are suitable Jordanian supply chain firms to conduct cloud systems initiatives, although improvement and research is needed to support an environment more conducive to electronic commerce in Jordan.