How does cloud computing provide IT infrastructure to subscribers?

Cloud computing delivers IT infrastructure to subscribers as metered services over a network, which is a defining characteristic of this model. This approach allows organizations to consume resources on-demand and pay only for what they use, leading to significant cost efficiency and flexibility. It utilizes a shared pool of resources that can be rapidly provisioned and released, offering scalability that traditional, permanently owned hardware setups do not provide.

In this model, users can scale their resources up or down based on their needs, utilizing services such as computing power, storage, and networking without the need for large capital investments in physical hardware. This consumption-based model aligns with the principles of cloud computing, making it a preferred choice for many businesses seeking agile and cost-effective IT solutions.