What best describes the characteristic of on-demand self-service in cloud computing?

On-demand self-service is a core characteristic of cloud computing that allows users to provision computing resources automatically without requiring human interaction with the service provider. This means that once users identify the specific service they need, they are able to independently complete the application for cloud resources, such as virtual machines, storage, or applications, through a web portal or API.

This capability empowers users to rapidly respond to their requirements and manage resources as needed, fostering greater efficiency and flexibility. It reflects the purpose of cloud service models where users can scale resources dynamically based on demand.

The other choices do not capture the essence of this characteristic. For instance, the idea that users must solve all problems by themselves implies a lack of support, which contradicts the supportive infrastructure many cloud providers offer. Additionally, suggesting that users do all the preparation or that they shouldn’t communicate their needs overlooks the collaborative nature of cloud services, which may include user support and guidance. Thus, the correct description focuses on the autonomy users have to manage their cloud resources once they understand what they need.