Which of the following concepts refers to consuming IT resources as a service rather than managing them directly?

The concept of consuming IT resources as a service rather than managing them directly is best encapsulated by utility computing. This approach allows users to utilize computing resources on-demand, similar to how they would use utilities like electricity or water; they pay only for what they consume without needing to manage the underlying infrastructure directly.

Utility computing is characterized by its focus on providing a measured service, where resources such as storage, processing power, or network bandwidth can be allocated as needed and billed accordingly. This is a critical aspect of modern IT environments, as it enhances flexibility and scalability while reducing the management burden on users.

While cloud computing also aligns closely with this concept, encompassing a broader array of IT services and models (including public, private, and hybrid clouds), the term utility computing specifically emphasizes the on-demand, pay-per-use model that reflects the direct consumption of services without the complexities of maintenance and management. This distinction is crucial for understanding the specific context of the question. Managed services and virtual services pertain to additional layers of service delivery and management but do not capture the core idea of consuming resources as a utility.