Cloud providers manage basic computing infrastructure such as virtualized computing, networking, and storage, and provide access to a resource pool. Cloud consumers can install different operating systems and applications on top of it according to their needs.

Cloud providers deliver platforms such as databases, application platforms, programming platforms, and runtime environments in an abstracted form.

Examples:

• An environment for running Python, PHP, or other source code
• Database as a Service
• Data Warehouse as a Service
• Data Storage as a Service
• Machine Learning as a Service

The key difference is that you do not manage the underlying servers, networks, or other infrastructure.

This is a complete application managed and delivered by a cloud provider. Consumers can access it through a web browser, mobile application, or lightweight client application.

Customization or configuration may be available, but the features and capabilities cannot be changed.

Examples:

• Netflix
• Prime Video
• Gmail
• YouTube
• Zoom
• Microsoft 365