From BIM 360 programs and remote desktop protocols to amped-up graphics-processing units, cloud-based tools are the top priorities of Autodesk. The cloud theme rang out at the firm's Autodesk University 2012 conference in Las Vegas last month. Many companies at the conference featured cloud technology that helps smooth remote access to large amounts of data or functions as a powerful workstation.

Anthony Governanti, Autodesk's technical marketing manager, found his BIM 360 booth very popular during the conference.