What type of application delivery method requires the least amount of infrastructure from the client?

The choice of cloud-hosted systems as the correct answer stems from the fundamental nature of cloud computing, which allows users to access applications via the internet without needing a significant local infrastructure. Unlike other options, cloud-hosted systems operate on a model where the service provider manages all the underlying infrastructure, including servers, storage, and networking. This relieves the client from the burden of maintaining physical hardware or worrying about system updates, scalability, or capacity planning.

In contrast, on-premise servers and dedicated servers require substantial investment in physical infrastructure and ongoing management by the client. Maintaining virtual machines also necessitates some level of infrastructure and management effort, especially if hosted on-premises. Cloud-hosted systems provide scalability and flexibility, enabling users to easily adjust their resources based on demand without additional local hardware. Thus, they represent the method that minimizes infrastructure needs from the client’s perspective, empowering businesses to focus on utilizing applications rather than managing the environment they run on.