Google Cloud Digital Leader Practice Exam

What cloud service model focuses primarily on providing software applications over the internet?

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

2. Platform as a Service (PaaS)

3. Software as a Service (SaaS)

4. Function as a Service (FaaS)

The correct answer is: Software as a Service (SaaS)

The focus of the Software as a Service (SaaS) model is specifically on delivering software applications over the internet. This cloud service model enables users to access applications on a subscription basis without needing to manage the underlying infrastructure or platform. With SaaS, the service provider takes care of everything, from the infrastructure to the application maintenance, which allows users to simply use the software directly through a web browser. SaaS applications are typically available to users across multiple devices and platforms, making them highly accessible and user-friendly. Examples of SaaS include popular tools like Google Workspace, Salesforce, and Dropbox. This model contrasts with Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), which provides virtualized computing resources but requires users to manage everything from the operating system up. Similarly, Platform as a Service (PaaS) offers a platform allowing developers to build applications without dealing with the underlying infrastructure but does not focus solely on delivering software applications to end-users. Function as a Service (FaaS) is a serverless computing model designed for executing code in response to events, which is quite different from providing full-fledged software applications. Understanding this distinction highlights why SaaS is the correct answer, as it specifically addresses the delivery of complete software solutions over the internet