CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)Virtualization and Cloud ComputingEasy

A cloud customer wants to provision additional virtual servers instantly through a web portal without contacting the provider's support staff or waiting for a technician to intervene. Which cloud computing characteristic does this describe?

  1. ARapid elasticity
  2. BOn-demand self-service
  3. CResource pooling
  4. DMeasured service
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. On-demand self-service

On-demand self-service allows a consumer to provision computing resources automatically without requiring human interaction with the service provider. The customer uses a portal or API to get resources instantly.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Rapid elasticity refers to scaling resources up or down quickly, not the provisioning method.
  • C. Resource pooling refers to sharing underlying hardware among multiple tenants, not self-provisioning.
  • D. Measured service refers to usage tracking and billing, not provisioning access.

On-Demand Self-Service

A cloud characteristic allowing consumers to automatically provision computing resources as needed without human interaction with the provider.

  • One of the core NIST cloud characteristics
  • Achieved via web portals or APIs
  • No provider staff involvement required

Memory trick: Self-serve means no waiter needed — click and get your resource.

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