What is a primary benefit of using a Web browser as an application delivery platform?

A primary benefit of using a web browser as an application delivery platform is that it enables users to access hosted applications without the need to install software locally on their devices. This characteristic is significant because it reduces the barriers to entry for users, allowing them to quickly utilize applications from any device with internet connectivity and a compatible web browser.

Since the application is hosted on a server and accessed online, users can leverage the most up-to-date version of the software without worrying about updates or maintenance on their local machine. This model promotes greater accessibility, as users can switch between devices seamlessly, whether they are at work, at home, or on the go.

Other choices presented do not accurately represent primary benefits in the context of web browsers. For instance, offline access is not typically available for web applications unless they specifically support offline functionality through technologies like Service Workers. Performance can vary significantly between web-based applications and local applications depending on various factors like network connectivity and server load, and hence a blanket statement that web applications guarantee higher performance is misleading. Finally, while using web applications can simplify certain aspects of network setup, this is not a primary benefit of using a web browser as an application delivery platform when considering the context of accessing hosted applications.