This book provides a framework for evaluating big data and cloud computing based on how they evolve to fit users' needs in developing countries in key areas, such as agriculture and education. The authors discuss how this framework can be utilized by businesses, governments, and consumers to accelerate economic growth and overcome information and communication barriers.

This book provides a framework for evaluating big data and cloud computing based on how they evolve to fit users' needs in developing countries in key areas, such as agriculture and education. The authors discuss how this framework can be utilized by businesses, governments, and consumers to accelerate economic growth and overcome information and communication barriers. By examining the ways in which cloud computing can drive social, economic, and environmental transformation, readers gain a nuanced understanding of the opportunities and challenges these technologies offer. The authors also provide an authoritative and up-to-date account of big data's diffusion into a wide range of developing economies, such as Brazil and China, illustrating key concepts through in-depth case studies. Special attention is paid to economic development in the context of the new Sustainable Development Goals formulated by the United Nations, introducing readers to the most modern standard of economic evaluation. Students of information management, entrepreneurship, and development, as well as policy makers, researchers, and practitioners, will find Big Data and Cloud Computing for Development an interesting read and a useful reference source.

"This book is essential reading for anyone who is interested in the social side of big data and cloud computing, particularly in the developing world. At a time when stories about the promise and peril of new information technologies are front page news, Kshetri, Fredriksson, and Torres provide an indispensable guide that helps us separate facts from hyperbole." Russell Funk, University of Minnesota, USA "This remarkable book addresses an important area that many books on these topics don't cover, examining how cloud computing and big data analytics drive social, economic, and environmental transformation in developing countries and outlining unrealized opportunities and challenges in realizing them. Illustrated with case studies from several countries, the book is a valuable source of relevant information for researchers, students, practitioners, and policy-makers interested in embracing the cloud and big data for socio-economic progress in emerging markets." San Murugesan, Editor in Chief, IEEE IT Professional & BRITE Professional Services, Australia "This is an outstanding presentation of big data and cloud computing concepts, issues, opportunities, and challenges, including case studies and lessons learned from developing countries. It offers great inspiration, creativity, and cutting edge information which researchers, academics, businesses, and students will be pleased to read." Tomayess Issa, Curtin University, Australia