What does scalability in cloud computing refer to?

Scalability in cloud computing refers to the ability to grow resources dynamically to meet changing demands. This characteristic is fundamental to cloud services, allowing organizations to effectively manage variations in workload by provisioning additional resources when demand increases and scaling back when demand decreases. This flexibility is crucial for businesses that experience fluctuating levels of traffic or resource needs, enabling them to maintain performance levels while optimizing costs.

This capability often involves seamless integration of additional computing power, storage, or services without significant downtime or disruption. By leveraging scalability, organizations can ensure that they are only using what they need at any given time, which enhances overall efficiency and responsiveness to market conditions.