Which of the following is a core benefit of using cloud computing?

Scalability is indeed a core benefit of using cloud computing. This concept refers to the ability to adjust and allocate resources based on current demands easily. With cloud services, organizations can dynamically scale their computing power and storage capacity up or down as needed, without the need for significant capital expenditure or the delays associated with physical hardware installation. This flexibility allows businesses to efficiently manage workloads, adapt to changing market conditions, and accommodate fluctuating demand. For instance, during peak times, a company can quickly increase its resources to handle increased traffic and scale back during quieter periods, optimizing costs and performance.

While there are advantages associated with fixed pricing, maintenance-free environments, and increased physical storage, these do not reflect the inherent and dynamic nature of cloud computing as well as scalability does. Fixed pricing may not apply to all cloud services, as many use consumption-based models. A maintenance-free environment is misleading since some level of management is still required, and while cloud storage solutions can provide significant capacity, the aspect of increased physical storage alone does not encapsulate the broader advantages offered by the scalable nature of cloud services.