CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)Virtualization and Cloud ComputingEasy
A small business subscribes to a fully hosted email and office productivity suite. The vendor manages all servers, storage, and application updates; users simply log in through a browser. Which cloud service model does this describe?
- AInfrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- BDesktop as a Service (DaaS)
- CSoftware as a Service (SaaS)
- DPlatform as a Service (PaaS)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS delivers fully functional applications over the internet, with the provider managing all underlying infrastructure, platform, and software maintenance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. IaaS provides raw compute, storage, and networking, not finished applications.
- B. DaaS delivers virtual desktops, not office productivity software specifically.
- D. PaaS provides a development platform, not end-user applications.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
A cloud model where the provider delivers a complete, ready-to-use application to end users over the internet.
- Examples: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce
- No infrastructure or platform management by the customer
- Accessed via browser or thin client
Memory trick: SaaS = 'Software already Set up.'