Cloud hosting is a type of web hosting service that utilizes resources from multiple servers to provide a scalable and reliable hosting environment. Instead of relying on a single physical server, cloud hosting uses a network of interconnected servers, often located in different data centers.

Here are key characteristics and advantages of cloud hosting:

Scalability: Cloud hosting allows users to easily scale their resources up or down based on demand. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for websites and applications that experience varying levels of traffic.

Reliability: Since cloud hosting distributes data across multiple servers, it offers high levels of redundancy. If one server fails, another can quickly take over, ensuring minimal downtime and improved reliability.

Performance: Cloud hosting services often have multiple servers strategically located in different geographic regions. This can lead to improved performance by serving content from a server that is physically closer to the user, reducing latency.

Resource Efficiency: Users only pay for the resources they use, making cloud hosting cost-effective. Traditional hosting models may require users to pay for a fixed amount of resources, regardless of whether they use them fully.

Data Security: Cloud hosting providers typically implement robust security measures, including data encryption, firewalls, and regular backups, to protect data and ensure its integrity.