Research in cloud computing is undergoing rapid growth since its evolution less than a decade ago. This paper contributes to the understanding of this growing research area and by this, considers the potential for cloud computing in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries (DCs). The current state of research is assessed in a review of 95 research articles drawn from journals which are both peer-reviewed and academic. To do this, a framework is developed to categorise and analyse the research according to a socio-technical spectrum, identifying levels of analysis and differentiating research activity according to a lifecycle model that incorporates the requirement, needs and desires, adoption, use and adaptation and impact of SMEs in the cloud.

The highlights of research in the area to date is an unbalanced use of quantitative approaches and lack of in depth use of case studies to form the basis of theorising in the area.

Some gaps are also identified pointing to the fact that issues concerning the extent of impact of cloud computing in SMEs have been ignored, whilst adoption is widely covered. To support in correcting these disparities in the literature, this paper identifies key research gaps relating to conceptual approaches, methodologies, issues addressed and finally provides pointers for future research directions.