Which type of cloud service provides databases without user maintenance?

The correct choice pertains to Software as a Service (SaaS), which delivers applications over the internet, allowing users to access software from any device without the need for installation or maintenance. When it comes to databases specifically, SaaS solutions often fully manage the underlying infrastructure, including the database management system. This means that end-users do not have to worry about database maintenance activities such as updates, backups, or performance tuning, as these tasks are handled by the service provider.

In contrast, other models like Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provide virtualized computing resources over the internet, which typically require users to manage and maintain their operating systems and applications, including their databases. Monitoring as a Service focuses primarily on tracking and analyzing system performance and does not involve database management directly. Platform as a Service (PaaS) offers a platform allowing developers to create and manage applications but often still requires some degree of maintenance and management from the user, including database aspects. Thus, SaaS stands out for providing a hands-off approach regarding database management for the user.