What is an example of Software as a Service (SaaS)?

Software as a Service (SaaS) refers to applications that are hosted and maintained by a third-party provider and delivered over the internet. This model allows users to access software applications via a web browser, eliminating the need for complex installations on local machines. Users pay for the service, often on a subscription basis, and benefit from automatic updates and scalability without the burden of hardware management.

In contrast, the other options describe scenarios that do not fit the SaaS model. Software installed on a local machine typically requires manual updates and management, and does not provide the same level of accessibility as SaaS. Virtual machines running on personal computers also do not represent SaaS, as they consist of hardware virtualization rather than cloud-based application delivery. Lastly, in-house software requiring no internet connection falls outside the SaaS definition since it lacks the essential characteristic of being internet-hosted and accessible from various locations.