Which of the following describes a formal agreement between a service provider and a service recipient?

A Service-Level Agreement (SLA) is a formal agreement that defines the expectations and level of service that a service provider commits to delivering to a service recipient. It typically outlines specific performance metrics, such as response times, uptime guarantees, and support availability, providing a clear framework for measuring the quality and reliability of the services delivered. SLAs are crucial in cloud computing contexts as they establish accountability and provide a basis for managing expectations between parties involved in the service agreement.

In contrast, other options like a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) generally indicate an intention to collaborate but do not create legally binding obligations. A Partnership Agreement outlines the terms of a partnership, including the financial and operational relationships between partners, which may not focus solely on service levels. Lastly, a Business Service Contract may refer to various types of service agreements but does not specifically define the service levels or performance commitments characteristic of an SLA.