Cloud computing primarily relies on what type of infrastructure?

Cloud computing primarily relies on remote data centers and virtualization because these components enable the hosting, management, and delivery of services over the internet. Remote data centers consist of numerous servers and networking equipment that are located in geographically distributed locations, allowing for scalability, redundancy, and data recovery. This infrastructure supports the dynamic allocation of resources, which is a key characteristic of cloud computing, where users can provision and release resources as needed.

Virtualization plays a crucial role in cloud computing by allowing multiple virtual servers to run on a single physical server. This enhances resource utilization and provides flexibility in deploying applications. It also simplifies the management of IT resources, as virtual environments can be easily created, modified, and scaled up or down based on demand.

In contrast, on-site physical servers would limit the benefits of cloud computing, such as scalability and accessibility. Local software applications and standalone computing devices do not align with the principles of cloud computing, which emphasizes remote access and centralized resource management. Therefore, remote data centers and virtualization form the backbone of cloud infrastructure, ensuring efficient service delivery and management.