The answer is Software as a Service (SaaS). This is the correct choice because SaaS delivers fully functional applications over the internet, accessible through a web browser without any local installation, perfectly matching the requirement to use accounting software on a tablet or home computer from anywhere. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish cloud service models by their primary function: SaaS provides ready-to-use software for end users, while PaaS offers a platform for developers to build apps, and IaaS supplies raw computing infrastructure like virtual machines. A common trap is confusing SaaS with PaaS when the scenario mentions “software,” but remember that SaaS is the only model where the user simply logs in and uses the application without managing any underlying platform or infrastructure. A helpful memory tip: think “SaaS for the masses” — it’s the software you access, not the platform you build on.
220-1201 Cloud Computing Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cloud computing concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A small business owner wants to access their accounting software from any device, including a tablet and a home computer, without installing the software locally. Which cloud service model should the technician recommend?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS (Software as a Service) delivers applications over the internet, accessible via a web browser without local installation. This matches the requirement of accessing accounting software from any device without installation. PaaS and IaaS provide platforms or infrastructure, not end-user applications.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Why it's wrong here
IaaS provides virtualized computing resources like servers and storage, not ready-to-use software applications.
✗
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Why it's wrong here
PaaS provides a platform for developers to build and deploy applications, not end-user software.
✓
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Why this is correct
SaaS delivers fully functional applications over the internet, accessible from any device with a browser, which is exactly what the business needs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
Why it's wrong here
DaaS provides virtual desktops, not individual software applications; it would be overkill for just accessing accounting software.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Cloud Computing Concepts — This question tests Cloud Computing Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Software as a Service (SaaS) — SaaS (Software as a Service) delivers applications over the internet, accessible via a web browser without local installation. This matches the requirement of accessing accounting software from any device without installation. PaaS and IaaS provide platforms or infrastructure, not end-user applications.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A marketing department wants to access a shared calendar and document editing tools without installing any software on their local machines. Which cloud service model would best meet this requirement?
easy
A.Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
B.Platform as a Service (PaaS)
✓ C.Software as a Service (SaaS)
D.Function as a Service (FaaS)
Why C: This question tests understanding of cloud service models. Software as a Service (SaaS) provides ready-to-use applications over the internet, eliminating the need for local installation. The scenario specifically requires access to calendar and document editing tools, which are typical SaaS offerings.
Variation 2. A company uses a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) application. The vendor handles all updates, security patches, and infrastructure maintenance. Which cloud service model does this represent?
easy
A.Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
B.Platform as a Service (PaaS)
✓ C.Software as a Service (SaaS)
D.Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
Why C: This scenario describes Software as a Service (SaaS), where the provider delivers a complete application over the internet. The user only needs a web browser and does not manage the underlying OS, servers, or updates. IaaS would give virtual machines, PaaS would provide a development platform, and DaaS would deliver virtual desktops.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.
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