Answer:
The answer is Option 5: Fixed pricing.
Explanation
Cloud computing is defined by several key characteristics, including on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service. To determine which option is not a characteristic, I will analyze the provided options.
- Option 1: On-demand self-service.
This is a fundamental characteristic of cloud computing, allowing users to provision resources automatically without requiring human intervention. So Option 1 is correct. - Option 2: Broad network access.
This characteristic ensures that services are available over the network and can be accessed through standard mechanisms, promoting use across various devices. So Option 2 is correct. - Option 3: Resource pooling.
Resource pooling is a defining feature of cloud computing, where resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model. So Option 3 is correct. - Option 4: Rapid elasticity.
This characteristic allows resources to be elastically provisioned and released to scale rapidly outward and inward commensurate with demand. So Option 4 is correct. - Option 5: Fixed pricing.
This is not a characteristic of cloud computing. Cloud services typically operate on a pay-as-you-go model, which allows for variable pricing based on usage rather than fixed pricing. So Option 5 is correct.