The answer is SaaS, or Software as a Service, because it provides a fully managed, ready-to-use email application like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace without requiring you to manage the underlying servers or software. When comparing SaaS vs IaaS vs PaaS for cloud email migration, SaaS is the only model that delivers the complete end-user application; IaaS would still force you to install and maintain the Exchange server software yourself, while PaaS is designed for building custom applications, not for running off-the-shelf email. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to match cloud service models to real-world business needs, and a common trap is confusing IaaS with SaaS because both are “cloud,” but IaaS leaves you responsible for the OS and email server. Remember the memory tip: “SaaS is for ‘Sitting and using’ the app, IaaS is for ‘Installing and administering’ the infrastructure.”
220-1202 Virtualization and Cloud Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of virtualization and cloud technologies. 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 company is considering moving its email system from an on-premises Exchange server to a cloud-based solution. Which cloud service model would best fit this migration?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SaaS (Software as a Service)
SaaS (Software as a Service) provides ready-to-use applications like email (e.g., Office 365, Gmail) without managing the underlying infrastructure. IaaS would require the company to still manage the email server software. PaaS is for application development, not end-user applications. DaaS is for desktop virtualization.
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.
✗
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
Why it's wrong here
IaaS provides virtual machines and storage, but the company would still need to install and manage the email server software.
✗
PaaS (Platform as a Service)
Why it's wrong here
PaaS is designed for developing and deploying custom applications, not for hosting a pre-built email system.
✓
SaaS (Software as a Service)
Why this is correct
SaaS delivers fully managed software applications, such as cloud-based email, eliminating the need for on-premises servers.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
DaaS (Desktop as a Service)
Why it's wrong here
DaaS provides virtual desktops, not email services.
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 220-1202 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 220-1202 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1202 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.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — This question tests Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SaaS (Software as a Service) — SaaS (Software as a Service) provides ready-to-use applications like email (e.g., Office 365, Gmail) without managing the underlying infrastructure. IaaS would require the company to still manage the email server software. PaaS is for application development, not end-user applications. DaaS is for desktop virtualization.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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