What is an essential characteristic of cloud computing?

Accessibility over the internet is a fundamental characteristic of cloud computing. This feature allows users to access their applications and data from anywhere at any time, as long as they have an internet connection. Such accessibility enables flexibility and mobility, which are among the key benefits of using cloud-based services.

In cloud computing environments, resources such as storage, processing power, and applications are hosted on remote servers rather than local machines. This means that users can utilize these resources without being tied to a specific location, facilitating collaboration and enhancing productivity across various devices.

In contrast, dependence on physical hardware is contradictory to the essence of cloud computing, which emphasizes virtualization and the ability to scale resources regardless of the underlying infrastructure. Similarly, limited user accessibility based on location and permanent data storage only on local machines diverge from the cloud model, which thrives on universal access and the use of remote servers to store data. By enabling users to connect and collaborate across the globe through the internet, cloud computing transforms how individuals and organizations engage with technology.