Cloud users satisfied with results, survey says

A recent survey of companies that have switched to the cloud found they are pleased with their increased efficiency and productivity. The survey asked more than 150 IT decision-makers at mid-to-large businesses who had implemented at least one leading SaaS application or cloud platform.

More than 60 percent of respondents said cloud services are superior to on-premise solutions in terms of availability, cost, ease of integration and time to value. Almost 40 percent of respondents said they believe cloud services will be part of an overall business transformation. Another 65 percent said they believe cloud services will be part of an IT transformation.

"Companies leading the charge on cloud computing can teach the broader market a lot about what's real, what's hype and what to expect when you move more of your IT to the cloud," CEO of Appirio. “The enterprises that will be most successful with the transition are those who can learn from the experience of others and look beyond the challenges of today."

Cloud computing is swiftly growing in the business world. In a recent survey of executives at a 2010 trade show, 90 percent of respondents believe their firms will use cloud services within two years.