Which cloud service model offers software applications over the Internet without direct management by the user?

The correct choice is SaaS, which stands for Software as a Service. This cloud service model delivers software applications over the internet, allowing users to access and use them without having to manage the underlying infrastructure, such as servers or storage. Users simply log in to access the software via a web browser, minimizing the need for installation, updates, and maintenance on their own devices. This model is especially beneficial for organizations seeking to reduce software management burdens and focus resources on core business activities.

In contrast, IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) provides virtualized computing resources over the internet, allowing users to manage operating systems, applications, and data while the provider manages the infrastructure. PaaS (Platform as a Service) offers a platform allowing developers to build, test, and deploy applications without worrying about the underlying hardware or software layers. MaaS (Machine as a Service) is less commonly referenced in cloud service models and is not typically used to describe a standard cloud service like the others mentioned.