Comparison of Cloud Solutions for Integrating Analytics Tools with Legacy Systems in SMEs

Small and medium enterprises often find it difficult to integrate their legacy systems with modern analytics tools, which limits their ability to use data for decision-making. In this paper, we are investigating how cloud-based solutions can bridge this gap and facilitate data-driven decisions, for enhancing the performance and capacity of growth for SMEs. The review of existing literature points out the advantages of using cloud computing, such as scalability, improved data management, or cost efficiency. On the other hand, we found many papers highlighting the challenges faced by SMEs in adopting cloud-based analytical tools. These challenges include limited resources, missing technical expertise, and data privacy concerns. This paper addresses the previously mentioned challenges, focusing on cost-effective strategies to integrate the old systems and adopt modern tools for data analysis. It evaluates leading cloud providers, comparing their services and key features, considering their potential in facilitating the integration of legacy systems, and analyzing the pricing models across different data sizes and business requirements. The study proposes comprehensive solutions to facilitate the successful integration of cloud analytics, emphasizing a holistic approach that considers both technological and organizational factors. Finally, the paper presents illustrative cost estimation scenarios that demonstrate the practical guidance for implementing cloud-based analytics solutions in diverse SME contexts.