Which of the following statements about cloud computing and its impact on access to data and IT spending is or are true?

Introduction / Context:
Cloud computing has changed how organizations and individuals use computing resources. Instead of buying servers and software licenses outright, many customers now subscribe to infrastructure, platforms, and software as services. This shift affects hardware and software sales, service revenues, and the way people access their data and applications. The question checks your understanding of these broad trends and whether you can recognize unrealistic claims about cost and security.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Statement A talks about a decrease in traditional hardware and software sales and a rise in service revenues.
• Statement B talks about accessing data from any computer over the internet with proper connectivity.
• Statement D claims that cloud computing is always less expensive and more secure than local computing.

Concept / Approach:
Cloud computing allows customers to rent resources on demand. This model reduces the need to purchase and maintain physical servers and perpetual software licenses. Many vendors now earn more through subscription based services. At the same time, one of the main advantages of cloud computing is ubiquitous access: users can log in from different locations as long as they have an internet connection and valid credentials. However, it is not accurate to say that cloud is always cheaper or always more secure, because real cost and security depend on many factors such as workload patterns, configuration, compliance requirements, and vendor practices.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Evaluate Statement A. The trend in industry shows a move from capital expenditure on hardware and software to operational expenditure on services, so this statement is broadly true.Step 2: Evaluate Statement B. One of the selling points of cloud computing is access from anywhere with internet connectivity, so this statement is also generally true.Step 3: Evaluate Statement D. Saying that cloud computing is always cheaper and more secure is an absolute claim and is not realistic.Step 4: Since A and B are reasonable and D is not, the combined correct option is that both A and B are true.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider real company examples. Many organizations have moved email, collaboration tools, and business applications to the cloud and pay recurring fees instead of buying servers and licenses up front. They also allow staff to log in from laptops, tablets, or phones. At the same time, some workloads remain on premises because they are cost effective to run locally or have strict security and latency requirements. This mixed reality confirms that cloud is not automatically cheaper or safer in every case.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A alone: While correct, it ignores the fact that Statement B is also true, so it is incomplete.Option B alone: Correct but incomplete because it does not include Statement A.Option D: Overstates the benefits and ignores scenarios where cloud can be more expensive or less secure if misconfigured.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to treat marketing slogans as universal truths. Cloud computing can be cheaper or more secure, but only when designed and managed properly. Another pitfall is ignoring data residency, compliance, and latency issues that might favor local deployments. Exams often include extreme statements like always or never to test whether you can recognize exaggeration.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Both A and B are generally true statements about cloud computing.