What approach does resource pooling in cloud computing provide?

Resource pooling in cloud computing refers to the practice of consolidating various computing resources—such as storage, processing power, and memory—into a shared resource pool. This pool serves multiple customers or tenants by dynamically allocating resources based on demand.

The fundamental advantage of this approach is its efficiency and flexibility, allowing cloud service providers to maximize resource utilization. By using a common pool of resources, the provider can address varying workloads and adjust resources in real time, which leads to cost savings and enhanced service delivery. This model supports multi-tenancy, where multiple users can share the same physical infrastructure securely while benefiting from their isolated environments.

In contrast, dedicated resources would tie up assets for individual customers, significantly reducing efficiency and scalability. A hybrid model involves mixed environments, which may include dedicated and shared resources but does not specifically embody the pooling concept. Static resource allocations lack the flexibility needed to meet fluctuating demands, which defeats the purpose of the dynamic nature of cloud services. Thus, the approach that best encapsulates resource pooling is the creation of a common resource pool that serves multiple customers efficiently.