What does cloud computing provide?

Cloud computing provides on-demand computing services over the internet by allowing users to access a variety of resources such as storage, applications, and processing power remotely. This model enables individuals and organizations to use technologies without the need for physical hardware located on their premises, leading to increased flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency.

With cloud computing, users can easily scale their usage up or down based on their needs, access services from anywhere with an internet connection, and often pay only for what they use. This is a key advantage of cloud services compared to traditional methods that typically require significant upfront investment in local infrastructure or physical hardware.

In contrast, the other options focus on concepts that are not aligned with the fundamental principles of cloud computing. Local data storage and processing refers to traditional computing where data is kept and managed on local devices. Physical hardware for data management implies ownership and maintenance of actual hardware components, while software installations on local devices do not leverage the scalability and accessibility provided by cloud services. Therefore, on-demand computing services over the internet encapsulates the essence of what cloud computing is designed to deliver.