Which statements correctly describe essential characteristics of cloud computing?

Cloud computing is defined by several essential characteristics that distinguish it from traditional computing models. Broad network access and on-demand self-service are key attributes of cloud computing.

Broad network access refers to the capability of services and resources to be accessed over the network from a variety of devices, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. This characteristic enables users to connect to the cloud services seamlessly, enhancing flexibility and mobility.

On-demand self-service allows users to provision computing resources as needed automatically, without requiring human intervention from the service provider. This self-service capability empowers users to scale resources up or down according to their requirements, increasing efficiency and agility.

In contrast, the other options describe characteristics that do not align with the principles of cloud computing. Manual resource allocation and high latency would indicate a lack of efficiency and speed, which contradicts the fundamental benefits that cloud services provide. Proprietary hardware access and limited utilization suggest a restrictive model, while local storage and limited user access imply a traditional system that does not offer the dynamic, scalable nature of cloud solutions. Cloud computing thrives on shared resources and accessibility, allowing for much greater utilization and flexibility than the alternatives described in these other statements.