Cloud Computing — Characteristics of Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing has some key characteristics that make it unique and powerful:
- On-Demand Self-Service: Users can access computing resources whenever needed without human interaction.
- Broad Network Access: Services are available over the internet from laptops, smartphones, or tablets.
- Resource Pooling: Cloud providers pool resources to serve multiple customers efficiently.
- Rapid Elasticity: You can quickly scale resources up or down based on demand.
- Measured Service: You pay only for what you use, like electricity or water. These characteristics make cloud computing cost-effective, efficient, and suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Example: Netflix automatically scales its servers during peak hours (like evenings) to handle more users, and then scales down during off-peak hours to save costs.