In the context of cloud computing, what does metered service refer to?

Metered service in the context of cloud computing refers to the pricing model where users are charged based on their actual consumption of resources rather than a flat fee. This pay-as-you-go pricing model allows customers to only pay for the services they use, whether that is storage, computing power, or network bandwidth.

This flexibility is a key advantage of cloud services, as it can lead to cost savings for organizations that experience variable workloads or have fluctuating resource needs. Users can scale their services up or down according to demand, and their bills will directly reflect these changes. This model encourages efficiency because it incentivizes users to monitor their usage and optimize how they utilize resources within their cloud environment.

In contrast, other options, such as monitoring resource usage or periodic audits, are related to managing and observing usage rather than directly impacting how charges are incurred. Billing based on flat rates implies a fixed cost regardless of usage, which does not embody the essence of metered services that depend on actual consumption.