## 3 Results
### Results of the Quantitative Study
#### 3.1.2 Results of Research Questions
DiscussionIt is imperative to explore the factors behind the decreased interest in cloud solutions, as all evidence suggests the growing trend of digitalization within the business sphere, particularly among SMEs during the mentioned period. Conversely, the increased emphasis on cybersecurity can be regarded as a direct response to recent cyberattacks. It is crucial to assess the systematic approach in this respect and ascertain whether companies have adopted a comprehensive strategy that would also encompass human capital development or improvement, technology advancements, supportive measures, and legal instruments for enforceability. Related to RQ2 and RQ3, statistical analysis revealed no statistically significant changes in perceived suitability in 2023 compared to 2017 in any of the five CC deployment models (\(p\) > 0.05). Likewise, no statistically significant difference was found in variability in the perceived suitability of any of the five cloud layers (\(p\) > 0.05). DiscussionThe absence of change in the perceived suitability of CC deployment models and cloud layers may be attributed to the continuity of operating within the same business sector and type, leading to consistent requirements for cloud services. However, the rapid innovation trends in cloud service development warrants investigation, alongside the potential for technology-driven business transformation and expansion. Related to RQ4, McNemar's test revealed a statistically significant difference in the proportion of SMEs willing to use multiple cloud service providers in 2017 and 2023 (x\({}^{2}\) = 16.96, \(p\) < 0.001). Twenty-four SMEs not willing to use multiple cloud service providers in 2017 were willing to use these providers in 2023. Moreover, 25.25% of SMEs not willing to use these providers in 2017 were not willing to use them in 2023 either. Likewise, 38.03% of SMEs willing to use these providers in 2017 were also willing to use them in 2023. However, only 2.82% of SMEs were willing to use the providers in 2017, while they were not willing to use them in 2023. DiscussionThe observed positive shift in the number of companies seeking to adopt cloud services can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread introduction of digital products. Certainly, the persistence of traditional business models and the adverse effects of online operations, such as business disruption following cyberattacks, may also significantly influence these decisions. Finally, related to RQ5, we found no changes in the intention of any of the nine CC adoption types (payroll, human resources, procurement, CRM/retail, accounting and finance, project management, development of applications in the cloud, analysis of anonymous data, other) between 2023 and 2017 (\(p\) > 0.05). DiscussionAt first glance, this outcome seems directly linked to the results of RQ2 and RQ3, as well as the continuity of operating within the same business sector and type. However, considering that positive experiences with service implementation (typically involving payroll and project management) often pave the way for recognizing further enhancements and introducing new services, other potential factors, such as investment costs, expenses, etc., should also be taken into consideration.