Final answer:
Service-oriented architecture (SOA) is the correct answer to the question, which refers to a modular software design approach that allows discrete software pieces to provide specific functions to other applications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The software design approach based on the use of discrete pieces of software (modules) to provide specific functions to other applications is known as service-oriented architecture (SOA). In SOA, services are designed to support the needs of an organization's business processes and goals. This approach differs from server virtualization, which involves creating multiple virtual servers on a single physical server; from multiprocessing, which refers to the simultaneous processing of programs by multiple processors; and from grid computing, which involves linking different computers to make use of their combined processing power for complex tasks.
Service-oriented architecture (SOA) is a software design approach based on the use of discrete pieces of software (modules) to provide specific functions as services to other applications. In SOA, different services are combined to create larger applications that are flexible and scalable.For example, consider a banking application where displaying a customer's bill statement is a specific function. In a service-oriented architecture, this function could be provided as a service by a separate module, which can be used by multiple other applications to display bill statements. This modular approach allows for reusability, easier maintenance, and interoperability between different applications.