Which of the following is a benefit of using cloud-based data storage?

Cloud-based data storage offers significant advantages, one of the prominent benefits being scalability and accessibility. Scalability refers to the ability to easily adjust storage capacity according to the needs of a business, whether that means increasing or decreasing storage without the need for significant investments in physical infrastructure. This is particularly useful for organizations experiencing fluctuating demand or rapid growth, as it allows them to pay only for the storage they use.

Accessibility is also a key benefit; cloud storage can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, facilitating remote work and collaboration among teams spread across different geographical locations. This enhanced accessibility can lead to improved productivity, as users can retrieve and share data in real-time without being tied to a specific device or location.

In contrast, the other options might be seen as smaller or less impactful aspects. Increased data redundancy does occur in cloud systems but is part of a broader disaster recovery strategy rather than a primary advantage. Automatic backup features are beneficial, but they can also be found in on-premises solutions. Higher hardware maintenance costs directly contradict the benefits of using cloud storage, as one of the main reasons for adopting cloud solutions is to reduce the burden of hardware maintenance altogether.