What is a key feature of measured service in cloud computing?

In cloud computing, a key feature of measured service is that services are charged based on actual usage. This means that customers are billed only for the resources they consume, whether it's compute power, storage, or data transfer. This metered approach allows businesses to efficiently allocate their budget according to their needs, scaling their resource consumption up or down as required without incurring costs for resources that are not actively being used.

This mechanism supports the elasticity of cloud services, permitting organizations to react quickly to changes in demand. As a result, customers can optimize their expenditure and avoid waste, making it an attractive cost management strategy compared to traditional models that might charge a flat fee regardless of usage levels.