Cloud computing is a growing field, addressing the market need for access to computing resources to meet organizational computing requirements. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the factors that influence an organization in their decision whether to adopt cloud computing as a part of their strategic information technology planning. Factors related to cloud computing being considered include its cost-effectiveness, the need for cloud computing, its reliability, and the perceived security effectiveness of cloud computing. This dissertation addresses these factors from the viewpoint of decision-making professionals that determine information technology policy for organizations. Each independent factor or variable was analyzed directly in comparison to the management interest in adopting cloud computing. A strong positive relationship was found between each of these four independent variables: cost-effectiveness, the need for cloud computing, its reliability, and the perceived security effectiveness of cloud computing; and the dependent variable: the management interest in adopting cloud computing technology. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]