Original Research

Implications of cloud-computing services in records management in Africa: Achilles heels of the digital era?

Tshepho Mosweu, Lungile Luthuli, Olefhile Mosweu
South African Journal of Information Management | Vol 21, No 1 | a1069 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajim.v21i1.1069 | © 2019 Tshepho Mosweu, Lungile Luthuli, Olefhile Mosweu | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 17 January 2019 | Published: 29 November 2019

About the author(s)

Tshepho Mosweu, Department of Information Science, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Lungile Luthuli, Department of Information Studies, University of Zululand, Richards Bay, South Africa
Olefhile Mosweu, Department of Information Science, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Cloud-based services are increasingly used by organisations around the world and Africa is no exception. Literature has revealed that organisations adopt them as they offer efficient and cost-effective services. Notably, Africa is generally at an infant stage in the adoption of cloud-computing services in records management.

Objectives: This article presents and deliberates on the implications of cloud-computing services in archives and records management in Africa and determines whether such services are challenged by the inherent weaknesses faced by Africa in the digital age.

Method: This study adopted a qualitative research approach. It utilised content analysis of the reviewed literature related to cloud computing in records management.

Results: Cloud computing offers good tools for organisations to conduct businesses efficiently and improve their records management practices. However, issues related to records storage, jurisdiction, privacy, security and the digital divide, to mention a few, are a challenge that need to be surmounted if Africa is to benefit fully from cloud-based records management services.

Conclusion: Although cloud-computing services in records management promise huge benefits for Africa, the continent is not ready to fully embrace such technologies and benefit from them. Actually, cloud-based records management services are an Achilles heel for Africa.


Keywords

Africa; cloud-computing; ICTs; records management; digital records.

Metrics

Total abstract views: 3683
Total article views: 5542


Crossref Citations

No related citations found.