Cloud Computing Patterns, Mechanisms > Basics > Cloud Characteristics > On-Demand Usage
On-Demand Usage
A cloud consumer can unilaterally access cloud-based IT resources giving the cloud consumer the freedom to self-provision these IT resources. Once configured, usage of the self-provisioned IT resources can be automated, requiring no further human involvement by the cloud consumer or cloud provider. This results in an on-demand usage environment. Also known as “on-demand self-service usage,” this characteristic enables the service-based and usage-driven features found in mainstream clouds.