What is cost monitoring in cloud computing?

Cost monitoring in cloud computing specifically refers to the process of tracking cloud expenditures and optimizing resource usage to prevent overspending. This involves keeping a close eye on the costs associated with cloud services such as storage, computing power, and data transfer. Through effective cost monitoring, organizations can identify inefficiencies in resource usage, take advantage of discounts or pricing models offered by service providers, and ensure that their spending aligns with their budget and business objectives. By analyzing usage patterns, organizations can optimize their cloud resources, thereby avoiding unnecessary expenses associated with over-provisioning or wasteful consumption.

The other options focus on distinct areas that, while they may relate to operational practices in a broader IT context, do not specifically encapsulate the concept of cost monitoring in cloud computing. For instance, tracking physical server maintenance costs pertains more to on-premise infrastructure rather than cloud services, monitoring energy usage in data centers focuses on sustainability efforts, and assessing the reliability of network connections deals with connectivity and performance rather than financial aspects. Therefore, option C is the most relevant and accurate description of cost monitoring in the cloud environment.