What is the primary role of a Cloud Service Provider (CSP)?

The primary role of a Cloud Service Provider (CSP) is to provide cloud computing services. This encompasses a wide range of offerings, including infrastructure, platforms, and software that are delivered over the internet. CSPs enable organizations to leverage cloud technologies for data storage, processing power, and software applications without needing to maintain physical servers or hardware, allowing for greater flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency.

CSPs essentially facilitate access to computing resources on demand, which helps businesses to focus on their core operations rather than managing IT infrastructure. They typically offer various service models, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS), catering to different organizational needs.

In contrast, developing enterprise risk management software, governing internal control practices, or managing corporate fraud investigations are specialized functions that are not inherent to the core purpose of a CSP. While these functions may be relevant to organizations utilizing cloud services, they fall outside the primary function of providing cloud computing services.