UNVEALING THE CLOUD REVOLUTION: ANALYSIS OF TECHNOLOGY, SERVICES AND BENEFITS THROUGH THE DESIGN OF A CONVERSATIONAL BANKING APP

Information Technology has always been considered a major pain point of enterprise organizations, from the perspectives of both cost and management. However, the information technology industry has experienced a dramatic shift in the past decade - factors such as hardware commoditization, open-source software, virtualization, workforce globalization, and agile IT processes have supported the development of new technology and business models. Cloud computing now offers organizations more choices regarding how to run infrastructures, save costs, and delegate liabilities to third-party providers. It has become an integral part of technology and business models and has forced businesses to adapt to new technology strategies. Accordingly, the demand for cloud computing has forced the development of new market offerings, representing various cloud service and delivery models. These models significantly expand the range of available options, and task organizations with dilemmas over which cloud computing model to employ. This thesis will be divided into three distinct chapters, each addressing a crucial aspect of the evolving landscape of technology and data management. The initial chapter of this thesis will delve into the realm of cloud computing, offering a comprehensive exploration of its essence. It will elucidate the fundamental concepts, mechanics, potential benefits, and underlying challenges associated with cloud computing. The second chapter will pivot toward the vital area of data management, privacy concerns, and the intricate web of regulations. In the context of ever-intensifying global data flow, governments grapple with ensuring privacy, security, and sovereignty. This chapter will uncover the strategies governments are employing to navigate these complexities, including the emergence of localization laws designed to safeguard national interests. By examining these dynamics, this chapter aims to foster an understanding of the evolving landscape of data governance and its implications for both individuals and organizations. The third and final chapter will take a tangible turn, this chapter explores a real project that shows the transformational potential of cloud technology. Specifically, the chapter will discuss a project that, during my work experience at Accenture Spain, my team and I developed for BBVA, a major Spanish financial institution. The project's primary objective was to create an innovative conversational application through the use of cloud computing that would redefine customer engagement and the banking experience. By delving into the specifics of the cloud-based app, this chapter will spotlight the direct benefits reaped from such a technological synergy.