Today, Microsoft unveiled a 10-city, nationwide survey that explores how businesses are using cloud-based technologies. Although cloud computing is a term that is widely used in both professional and personal settings, many people are not aware of how often they use these technologies.

Through this "Cloud as an Engine of Growth Survey," commissioned by Microsoft, the company offers insight into how IT decision-makers use cloud-based technology solutions to grow revenue, launch new lines of business, hire staff and innovate.

Los Angeles was one of the ten cities that participated in the survey. The others were New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, San Francisco, Boston, Atlanta, Washington D.C. and Detroit. Some key trends were apparent from Los Angeles and Orange County area respondents:

  • Vendors offer the key to cloud innovation in Los Angeles
    • Nearly a third (32 percent) of LA & Orange Co IT decision makers say they would be more likely to purchase a cloud solution if they could work with a certified vendor.
  • Los Angeles sees business innovation in the cloud
    • Forty-four percent of enterprise IT decision makers in Los Angeles believe that the cloud is an engine of innovation
    • For those Los Angeles and Orange County IT decision makers who already work in the cloud almost half (44 percent) say they did so because of the low cost of ownership. Flexible/use on a per need basis (42 percent) is also mentioned as a reason to buy cloud services.
  • Top six things cloud computing enable Los Angeles and Orange County decision makers to do:
    • Reduce their IT workload
    • Improve bottom line and cost savings
    • Provide increased security
    • Scale technology as the business grows and develop
    • Enable collaboration with colleagues, clients and partners on site or remotely
    • Deploy new function or applications faster

We look forward to seeing Los Angeles continue to turn to the cloud, as businesses and consequently the local economy, further innovate and grow. Check out Microsoft's cloud website for more information on how to use the cloud to power your own business.