What is a characteristic of cloud computing?

Cloud computing is characterized by its ability to offer flexible resources and pricing models. This flexibility allows organizations to scale their IT resources up or down based on demand, which is a key feature of cloud services. Companies can adjust their computing power, storage space, and bandwidth as needed, often paying only for what they use. This model contrasts with traditional IT infrastructure, which typically requires significant upfront investment in hardware and ongoing maintenance costs. Businesses can adapt their cloud usage based on changing needs, making it an attractive option for both small and large organizations.

The other options reflect misconceptions about cloud computing. While substantial upfront capital investment and long-term contracts might be associated with traditional IT solutions, cloud computing often operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, eliminating these concerns. Additionally, cloud solutions are not limited to small businesses; they are widely used by organizations of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.