Which statement describes a characteristic of cloud computing?
A) Investment in new infrastructure is required in order to access the cloud
B) Devices can connect to the Internet through existing electrical wiring
C) A business can connect directly to the Internet without the use of an ISP
D) Applications can be accessed over the Internet through a subscription.
Correct Answer is D) Applications can be accessed over the Internet through a subscription.
Explanation:
Cloud computing has become an integral part of the technology industry, with businesses and individuals increasingly relying on cloud services for their computing needs. Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing resources such as software, storage, and processing power over the internet, as opposed to local servers or personal computers. Cloud computing has several characteristics that distinguish it from traditional computing models. In this article, we will discuss one of the essential characteristics of cloud computing.
Characteristic of Cloud Computing: On-demand self-service
On-demand self-service is a fundamental characteristic of cloud computing. It means that users can quickly and easily access computing resources, such as processing power, storage, and software applications, without needing to go through a lengthy procurement or approval process. This feature allows users to control and manage their computing resources through a web-based console or application programming interface (API).
Definition of On-demand self-service
On-demand self-service is the ability to provision computing resources on the fly. This feature provides users with the ability to access and deploy resources on-demand, without the need for human intervention or approval. Users can request additional resources, such as processing power, memory, and storage, at any time, and the cloud provider will allocate the necessary resources immediately.
Examples of On-demand self-service
A typical example of on-demand self-service is the ability to provision virtual machines (VMs) on a cloud platform. A user can request a VM of a particular configuration, such as the number of CPUs, amount of memory, and disk space, through a web-based console or API. The cloud provider will then allocate the requested resources, configure the VM according to the user’s specifications, and make it available for use. The user can then install and run their applications on the VM, without needing to worry about the underlying infrastructure.
Another example of on-demand self-service is the ability to provision storage resources. Cloud providers offer a range of storage options, such as block storage, object storage, and file storage, that users can provision and configure as needed. Users can allocate storage resources to their applications, and the cloud provider will automatically scale the storage capacity as needed. This feature provides users with the flexibility to adjust their storage requirements based on changing demands without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.
Benefits of On-demand self-service
On-demand self-service provides several benefits to cloud users. First, it enables rapid deployment of computing resources, allowing users to respond quickly to changing business needs. This feature also allows users to manage their computing resources more efficiently, by eliminating the need for manual intervention and approval processes.
Second, on-demand self-service provides users with greater flexibility and agility. Users can quickly provision resources as needed, and release them when they are no longer required. This feature allows users to avoid the cost of over-provisioning resources, and only pay for what they use.
Third, on-demand self-service enhances scalability and performance. Users can quickly scale their computing resources to meet changing demands, without needing to worry about the underlying infrastructure. This feature enables businesses to respond quickly to fluctuations in demand, and ensures that their applications remain performant and responsive.
Challenges of On-demand self-service
On-demand self-service also presents some challenges for cloud users. One challenge is the risk of over-provisioning resources. Users may be tempted to provision more resources than they need, leading to higher costs and wastage of resources. To avoid this, users should regularly review their resource usage and adjust their allocation as needed.
Another challenge is the need to monitor resource usage and performance continually. On-demand self-service allows users to quickly provision resources, but it also means that resources can be quickly depleted. Users need to monitor their resource usage regularly and adjust their allocation as needed to ensure that their applications remain performant.
