Cloud computing is a model where resources are delivered as a service and are dynamically scalable. Which statement best captures this concept?

• A. Resources are provided as a service
• B. Servers are on-premises
• C. Data is stored locally
• D. Users must manage hardware directly

Answer: (A)

Cloud computing centers on delivering IT resources as services over a network, with the ability to scale resources rapidly to match demand. The statement “Resources are provided as a service” is the best match because it directly expresses that model: you access computing power, storage, and software as services managed by a provider, rather than owning or operating the hardware yourself. This framing also implies the dynamic scalability feature, since services can be increased or reduced without touching physical hardware.

The other options describe traditional setups: on-premises servers mean you own and run the hardware locally; data stored locally points to keeping data outside the cloud; and requiring users to manage hardware directly contradicts the cloud model where the provider handles the infrastructure.