In cloud computing, how is scalability defined?

Scalability in cloud computing refers to the ability to expand or reduce computing resources as needed, which is essential for accommodating varying workloads without the need for significant changes to the underlying infrastructure. This characteristic allows organizations to optimize their resource usage according to demand, scaling up during peak times when more processing power, storage, or other resources are required and scaling down during off-peak times to save costs.

This dynamic adjustment is a fundamental advantage of cloud environments, enabling businesses to remain agile, cost-efficient, and capable of responding to changes in their operational needs quickly. Conversely, maintaining a fixed number of resources or focusing solely on regular backups does not align with the concept of scalability, as these strategies do not provide the necessary flexibility to adapt to changing demands. Similarly, while standardizing platform configurations can enhance efficiency and reduce complexity, it does not inherently relate to the dynamic allocation or adjustment of resources that scalability provides.