What defines cloud computing?

Cloud computing is defined by the ability to access IT resources—such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software applications, and more—at any time and from anywhere, with convenience and on-demand scalability. This characteristic allows users to utilize resources as needed without the constraints of physical infrastructure or the necessity of maintaining and managing those resources on-premises.

The essence of cloud computing is its flexibility, which means that users can scale up or down quickly based on demand without incurring high upfront costs associated with traditional IT infrastructure. This on-demand model supports a variety of business needs, offering efficiency and cost-effectiveness by allowing users to pay only for the resources they use.

The other options reflect scenarios that do not align with the core principles of cloud computing. High upfront costs and exclusive availability in local environments contrast sharply with the cloud's pay-as-you-go model and its broad accessibility. Additionally, the requirement to negotiate for every resource would negate the streamlined, user-friendly experience that cloud offerings typically provide.