Research commissioned by Juniper Networks shows that 25% of European companies have recently evaluated cloud computing as a way of delivering a flexible, efficient and scalable network service delivery model.

Juniper said the cloud could potentially deliver increased network capacity to firms while at the same time not increasing hardware and management costs.

Juniper found that 20% of the highest achieving firms were considering the cloud this year, while 25% of the firms which said they were struggling as a result of the recession would be considering it.

"The research shows that top performing companies are looking to the cloud to drive innovation, while struggling businesses are combining cloud-based approaches with a general move to outsourcing as a way of reducing costs," said Juniper.

Gert-Jan Schenk, senior vice president for EMEA at Juniper Networks, said, “In either case, history suggests that those organisations more open to change will adapt businesses models to adopt the advantages of cloud computing and maximise their chances of long-term success.”

Benelux businesses were taking the most proactive approach to reviewing cloud technology, with 26% considering it against 18% in the UK, 15% in Germany and 8% in France.

For its research Juniper Networks commissioned the Loudhouse consultancy to question 500 IT decision-makers in medium-to-large enterprises (1,000 employees or more) in the UK, France, Russia, Germany and the Benelux.