What cloud model is offered over the Internet by cloud service providers (CSPs) to cloud consumers, often on a pay-as-you-go basis?

The public cloud model is designed to provide resources and services over the Internet to a wide array of cloud consumers. In this model, cloud service providers (CSPs) offer computing resources, such as storage and processing power, which can be accessed by anyone who subscribes to the service. This model is often made available on a pay-as-you-go basis, allowing consumers to only pay for the services they utilize without needing to invest in their own infrastructure.

Public clouds are characterized by their broad accessibility, as they are not restricted to any specific organization or group, making them ideal for businesses looking to scale their operations without the overhead costs associated with maintaining on-premises infrastructure. The shared nature of resources in a public cloud leads to lower costs for consumers since the infrastructure is shared among multiple clients, efficiently distributing the operational costs.

The flexibility and economic advantages of the public cloud model make it a popular choice for many organizations, particularly startups and smaller companies that need to leverage technology without significant upfront investment.