What does the term "cloud computing" refer to in an MIS context?

In the context of Management Information Systems (MIS), "cloud computing" specifically refers to the delivery of services over the internet. This concept enables businesses to access various resources, including storage, applications, and computing power, without the need for physical servers or infrastructure on-site.

Cloud computing allows organizations to take advantage of scalable resources and pay for only what they use, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for businesses, providing them the ability to quickly adapt to changing demands without the upfront investment associated with building and maintaining physical data centers. Consequently, the emphasis on services delivered via the internet signifies the growing trend of relying on remote servers managed by third-party providers, rather than local installations or hardware configurations.

This approach contrasts sharply with options that refer to local storage, physical data centers, or installation on individual devices, which do not encapsulate the essence of cloud computing as a modern, service-oriented framework for managing information systems.