What is the primary function of servers hosted in the cloud regarding sensor data from IoT gateways?

The primary function of servers hosted in the cloud concerning sensor data from IoT gateways is to accept, store, and process that data. Cloud servers are designed to handle large volumes of data generated by numerous IoT devices. They provide a scalable and flexible infrastructure that can accommodate varying amounts of sensor data without the limitations typically faced by local storage solutions.

By utilizing the cloud, organizations can centralize their data processing and storage, allowing for advanced analytics and real-time insights that may not be feasible on local systems. This capability enhances the ability to monitor and manage IoT devices effectively and facilitates easier access to data for applications such as machine learning and reporting.

The other choices do not align with the primary function of cloud servers in this context. While local storage is a valid option, it is not the main advantage of using cloud servers, particularly in the dynamic environment of IoT. Replacing IoT devices entirely misrepresents the relationship between the devices and the cloud infrastructure, as cloud servers function to enhance the capabilities of IoT systems rather than replace them. Lastly, increasing the complexity of data retrieval is not a goal or benefit of cloud services; in fact, one of the advantages of cloud hosting is to simplify and streamline data access and utilization.