Cloud computing basic concept – UGC NET Question

Cloud computing describes a paradigm in which computing resources such as servers, storage and applications are delivered as services over the internet. Users can scale these resources up or down without owning the underlying infrastructure. This model supports pay as you go usage and promotes efficient utilisation of hardware. Therefore, the definition in the stem matches cloud computing.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it captures the key features of on demand network access to a shared pool of configurable resources. In cloud computing, providers manage the infrastructure while users access services through simple interfaces. This clearly aligns with the service based model described in the question.

Option B:
Option B, data mining, focuses on discovering patterns and knowledge from large datasets rather than delivering computing resources as a service. It may use cloud platforms but is a separate analytical process.

Option C:
Option C, word processing, refers to application software for creating and editing text documents and does not imply shared infrastructure on demand. It is only one type of application that could run within a cloud environment.

Option D:
Option D, virtual reality, concerns immersive simulated environments and is an application domain rather than a general model of delivering computing resources over the internet. It might use cloud support but does not define the paradigm itself.