Service

A service is an action or activity performed for the benefit of others, often involving the provision of support, help, or assistance in various contexts. In a business context, services are intangible products that fulfill customer needs and can include tasks like consulting, cleaning, transportation, and repair. Unlike goods, which are physical items that can be owned, services are experienced and consumed simultaneously, making them transient in nature.

Services can be categorized into various types, such as professional services (legal, financial), personal services (hairdressing, massage), and social services (healthcare, education), each addressing specific needs. They often require interaction between the service provider and the customer, and quality can vary based on individual experiences and expectations.

In technology, a service might also refer to software applications or functions that are provided over a network, such as cloud services, APIs, or other online functionalities that support user tasks or business processes. Overall, the defining characteristic of a service is its focus on delivering value through assistance, expertise, or functionality rather than on physical goods.