Which cloud model offers access to a pool of fundamental IT resources such as computing, networking, or storage?

The correct answer is the Infrastructure cloud model, often referred to as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). This model provides users with access to fundamental IT resources such as computing power, networking capabilities, and storage.

In IaaS, customers can provision virtual machines, storage solutions, and network configurations without needing to manage the underlying physical hardware. This model allows businesses to scale resources up or down based on demand, providing flexibility and efficiency in managing IT resources. Organizations pay for what they use, which can lead to cost savings, especially for those with variable workloads.

In contrast, other cloud models focus on different levels of service. The Platform cloud model (Platform as a Service, or PaaS) provides a development and deployment environment offering tools and services for building applications without dealing directly with the underlying infrastructure. The Application cloud model (Software as a Service, or SaaS) delivers fully functional software applications accessible over the internet without the need for the user to manage the infrastructure or platform on which the applications run. Lastly, the Data cloud model might focus on data storage and management rather than the broader IT infrastructure that IaaS encompasses.