What sorts of applications are being developed? As remotely-hosted
applications can provide cost-effective access for businesses to unique
software, many of the applications are designed to be of occasional use
in terms of use. Others are geared towards using group connectivity
provided by through the Internet to provide an application that is flexible.
ASP's have created software programs to handle various business
functions as materials management, human resources, financial
management, and e-commerce transaction services.
The variety of solutions provided by ASP's is vast. Many ASP's are
doing great business in meeting operational needs of companies across
different industries and business functions.
There are a number of technical and business issues currently addressed by ASP's to develop and enhance system applications.
A major advantage for businesses in seeking ASP services is that they
provide an opportunity to reduce costs and increase efficiencies.
Companies can have access to a wider-range of software products
with the possibility of paying less than an outright purchase through
usage charges.
This allows businesses to access applications that can service
particular business needs so companies can focus on their core
operations. Furthermore, ASP's are developing new software that can provide business
solutions to operating issues not previously addressed through PC-based
software.
ASP's also remove many of the technical administrative and maintenance
issues associated with software by providing real-time
upgrades, remote hosting, remote dial in customer support and
overall software management.
Web hosting companies are involved in the development of applications
– however, many of the hosting companies serve to provide network
management and serve the application remotely to users. In
providing ASP-related services, these companies are essentially AIP's
(application infrastructure providers.)
For mainframe web hosting applications, ASP service providers are
pioneering a new way to host and maintain business applications.
