How do IaaS and SaaS differ in their offerings?

IaaS, or Infrastructure as a Service, offers fundamental computing resources such as virtual machines, storage, and networking capabilities, which can be provisioned and managed over the internet. Users have control over their infrastructure and can customize it according to their needs. This service model is ideal for businesses that require flexible and scalable compute resources without the burden of maintaining physical hardware.

On the other hand, SaaS, or Software as a Service, refers to software applications that are hosted in the cloud and delivered to users over the internet. With SaaS, users can access applications from any device with an internet connection without needing to install or manage them locally. This model allows for easier collaboration and automatic updates since the application is maintained on the service provider's infrastructure.

The correct answer highlights that IaaS is centered around providing virtualized computing resources, while SaaS is primarily about delivering software applications. Understanding this distinction helps clarify the different service models and their applications in cloud computing, which is essential for recognizing how each can benefit businesses in different contexts.