What defines a cloud database?

A cloud database is defined by its accessibility and delivery model, emphasizing the on-demand nature of the service offered to users. It operates in the cloud environment, which means that the database is hosted on remote servers managed by a cloud provider rather than on-premises. This enables users to access the database from anywhere with an internet connection, ensuring flexibility, scalability, and ease of management.

Furthermore, cloud databases often utilize resources dynamically, which can provide cost efficiencies since users typically pay only for the resources they consume. This model is a significant advantage for businesses, as it eliminates the need for maintaining physical hardware and offers the ability to easily scale resources up or down based on user needs.

In contrast, the other options either refer to traditional database setups that rely on local or on-premises resources or describe configurations that lack the inherent flexibility and accessibility that characterize cloud databases. These distinctions illustrate the unique advantages of cloud databases in modern computing environments.