How does the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) define cloud computing?

The definition provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) emphasizes cloud computing as a model that facilitates convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources. This definition is significant because it encapsulates the core characteristics of cloud computing, including resource sharing, scalability, accessibility, and flexibility.

In this model, users can seamlessly access a variety of computing resources—such as servers, storage, applications, and services—over the internet without the need for direct active management from the service provider. The on-demand nature allows users to quickly provision resources as needed, aligning with the dynamic requirements of modern businesses.

Accessibility from anywhere, combined with the shared pool aspect, highlights the effectiveness of cloud solutions in reducing redundancy and improving efficiency, making it easier for organizations to scale their operations according to demand.

In contrast, the other options focus on narrower aspects that do not encapsulate the broader definition established by NIST. For example, while enhancing data storage is a benefit of cloud computing, it does not define what cloud computing is in its entirety. Similarly, deploying applications locally or integrating IoT devices into cloud services addresses specific use cases rather than the fundamental principles of cloud computing as defined by NIST.