Which cloud service model allows users to access application software and databases managed by the provider?

The correct answer is SaaS, which stands for Software as a Service. This cloud service model is designed to provide users with access to software applications and databases that are hosted and managed by a third-party provider. Users can access these applications over the internet, without the need to install or maintain any software on their own devices.

SaaS offers a variety of benefits, including easy accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection, scalability, and reduced overhead costs related to software maintenance and updates, as these responsibilities fall on the provider. Examples of SaaS include applications such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Salesforce, which enable users to perform tasks like document editing, email communication, and customer relationship management without managing the underlying infrastructure.

In contrast, other cloud models differ in their focus. PaaS, or Platform as a Service, provides a platform allowing developers to build, deploy, and manage applications without concern for the underlying infrastructure. IaaS, or Infrastructure as a Service, offers virtualized computing resources over the internet, giving users important building blocks to create and manage their applications, but not the applications themselves. BaaS, or Backend as a Service, is tailored for mobile and web applications, providing backend services but not the front-end