Lean Transformation Framework for Software Intensive Companies: Responding to Challenges Created by the Cloud

Today, the cloud phenomenon is challenging companies´ business and revenue models. Many enterprises are starting a fundamental change in order to benefit from the opportunities and to respond to the challenges that the cloud brings. At the same time, interest in lean thinking has grown in industries and research communities. Lean paradigm is assessed as a potential means to help companies pursue efficiency. This paper builds on premise that in order to succeed, software intensive enterprise´s cloud transformation should have lean thinking woven in -- we talk about lean transformation. This paper extends the current available lean related literature that, however, is mainly intended to manufacturing industries. This paper proposes a lean transformation framework, which highlights the significance of learning, iterative execution and holistic approach involving the whole enterprise in the transformation. First experiences of using the proposed lean transformation framework in a large IT service company are described as well.