Cloud-based simulation (CBS) is one of the new grand challenges in modelling and simulation (M&S). However, the work on web-enabled M&S is not new. A case in point is web-based simulation (WBS). Given the similarities between WBS and CBS, it is important to learn from WBS. Despite advancements in WBS research, its commercial applicability and adoption by users has not grown to the desired extent. This is partly due to the strong emphasis on WBS as a technological tool instead of a socio-technological tool in which users, their needs and circumstances are considered. To understand the needs and perception from practitioners on CBS, we conducted a survey. The results show that practitioners have a good exposure to cloud applications and mobile gadgets. There also appears to be evidence of a need for CBS that provides fast response time, effective communication tools and functionalities to share, store and retrieve models.