Which service model abstracts much of the underlying infrastructure for users?

The service model that abstracts much of the underlying infrastructure for users is known as Platform as a Service (PaaS). This model provides a platform allowing developers to create, deploy, and manage applications without dealing with the complexities of the underlying hardware and software layers.

With PaaS, the user can focus on building and deploying applications while the service provider manages the infrastructure, including servers, storage, networking, and database management. This abstraction layer simplifies the development process and enables faster application delivery, as the user does not need to expend time and resources on setting up and maintaining the underlying resources.

In contrast, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) still requires users to manage everything from the operating system upward, while Software as a Service (SaaS) delivers fully functional applications to the end user without concerns about the underlying infrastructure but does not provide a platform for development. Monitoring as a Service typically focuses on providing oversight and analytic capabilities for systems in operation, rather than acting as a platform for development, making it less relevant in this context.