What is the term for software delivered over the internet, eliminating the need for local installation?

The term for software delivered over the internet without the need for local installation is Software as a Service (SaaS). This model allows users to access applications via a web browser, enabling them to utilize the software from any location with an internet connection. Because the software is hosted in the cloud, updates, maintenance, and infrastructure management are handled by the service provider, relieving users from these responsibilities and simplifying their technical environment.

Options such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) refer to different levels of cloud service that primarily involve providing infrastructure and platforms for application development, rather than delivering end-user applications themselves. Desktop as a Service (DaaS) involves virtual desktop solutions but doesn’t specifically focus on software applications in the way SaaS does. Thus, SaaS stands out as the most accurate answer for software distribution that eliminates the need for local installation.