On-demand self-service is a key principle of cloud computing that allows users to independently request and access computing resources (servers, data warehouses, network components, and applications) as needed without direct interaction with representatives of the service provider.
This concept implies the possibility for the consumer of cloud services to automatically allocate and configure the necessary computing power through self-service interfaces (web portals, software APIs) at any time and in the required volume.
In modern cloud platforms, on-demand self-service is implemented via:
- Intuitive control panels: graphical interfaces where users can select, configure, and run the necessary resources;
- Software APIs: sets of functions that allow you to integrate automated resource requests into your own applications;
- IaC (Infrastructure as Code) tools: tools for describing infrastructure as software code for automated deployment;
- Service catalogs: structured sets of available services with different parameters and characteristics.
The on-demand self-service principle has radically changed the approach to IT infrastructure management, making it more operational, flexible and adaptive to business needs.