In the context of ITIL 4, how is cloud computing defined?

In ITIL 4, cloud computing is defined as a delivery model for services over the internet. This perspective emphasizes the flexibility, scalability, and accessibility that cloud services offer compared to traditional on-premises infrastructure. By utilizing this definition, organizations can leverage cloud computing to provision services such as storage, applications, and processing power dynamically and efficiently. This model allows for the consumption of IT resources on an as-needed basis, enhancing agility and facilitating innovation.

The focus on delivery over the internet highlights the fundamental characteristic of cloud computing: resources are provided remotely and accessed via the internet, enabling users to take advantage of powerful computing resources without needing to maintain physical hardware and infrastructure. This approach fosters collaboration, as teams can access the same tools and data from various locations, thus supporting remote work and distributed operations.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of cloud computing based on ITIL 4 principles. Describing it as a physical storage option overlooks the broader service-oriented nature of cloud computing. Viewing it solely as a means to enhance on-premises capabilities limits the scope of cloud computing and its transformative potential. Finally, defining it as a proprietary software solution misrepresents its core characteristics, as cloud computing often involves various models and is not restricted to proprietary