The generally accepted definition of cloud computing includes all of the following characteristics except:

The correct choice highlights a fundamental misunderstanding of the characteristics and principles of cloud computing. The generally accepted definition includes characteristics such as on-demand self-service, measured service, and resource pooling. These features emphasize the efficiency and flexibility that cloud computing offers to users, enabling them to access computing resources as needed, pay only for what they use, and share resources across multiple clients.

In contrast, the choice indicating "negating the need for backups" is not a recognized characteristic of cloud computing. While cloud providers often include backup and disaster recovery solutions, the responsibility for implementing effective data protection measures still lies with the users. Relying solely on cloud services does not eliminate the need for backups; rather, it usually entails a shared responsibility model where users must ensure their data is securely managed and backed up according to their specific requirements.