Which of the following best describes Software as a Service (SaaS)?

Software as a Service (SaaS) is characterized by the cloud provider offering access to a complete application that is hosted and maintained in the cloud. Users can access the software through a web browser, eliminating the need to install or manage the application on local devices. This model allows for easy updates and scalability, as the provider handles all underlying infrastructure, application maintenance, and security, enabling users to focus on utilizing the application rather than worrying about its management.

In contrast, options that involve merely providing storage solutions or just infrastructure are part of different service models. For example, offering storage solutions typically aligns with Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), which is distinct from the application delivery aspect of SaaS. Additionally, simply hosting hardware does not encapsulate the concept of SaaS, as it requires the provision of fully functional software applications rather than just hardware resources.