Which of the following attributes is characteristic of cloud computing?

The characteristic of cloud computing that stands out is the feature of minimal management effort and the sharing of resources. In cloud computing, resources such as servers, storage, and applications are provisioned and managed by cloud service providers. This setup allows organizations to leverage significant computing power without needing to invest heavily in physical infrastructure or manage complex systems.

Minimizing management effort is crucial in cloud environments because it enables businesses to focus on their core operations rather than on maintaining IT resources. Shared resources lead to economies of scale, as multiple users can access and utilize the same physical infrastructure, which enhances efficiency and reduces costs. Cloud providers typically handle updates, security, and resource allocation, which further reduces the burden on the organization.

In contrast, high cost and unique resources do not align with cloud computing principles, as one of its key advantages is reducing costs through shared services. Rapid provisioning combined with slow release is also contrary to the cloud's flexible nature, which allows for quick scaling up or down based on demand. Lastly, limited access and minimal service provider interaction do not characterize cloud computing, which is defined by its accessibility and collaboration capabilities enabled by the internet.