What does "latency" refer to in cloud computing?

Latency in cloud computing refers to the time delay that occurs during data communication over a network. This delay can be affected by various factors, including the distance the data must travel, the speed of network connections, and the processing time at each endpoint. In cloud environments, low latency is crucial because it directly impacts the performance and responsiveness of applications, particularly those that rely on real-time data processing, such as online gaming, financial trading platforms, and video streaming services. Reducing latency is a key consideration for cloud architects and engineers when designing and optimizing cloud infrastructure, as it enhances user experience and increases system efficiency.

Understanding latency helps stakeholders make informed decisions about network configurations, cloud service selections, and resources allocation to achieve the desired performance levels for their applications.