Application Service Providers (ASPs)
Computer applications range from simple applications like word processing right through to highly complex systems such as finance systems, customer relationship management and online trading software.
Naturally, some of these highly complex systems can be expensive, both to buy the software and to host it on an appropriate server. What’s more, maintenance of these kinds of systems usually requires a high level of expertise.
One way around these problems is to use an Application Service Provider (ASP). An ASP will host and maintain the system remotely, allowing you to access it securely over your broadband connection.
So if you want to trade online without the expense of setting up a complex website that allows you to take payments and display your goods, an ASP can provide you with a web-based shop-front. Customers would access your virtual store at the ASP, which can sell the goods and collect payments on your behalf.
An ASP allows you to get the benefits of sophisticated computer systems without the resources usually associated with them.
For example a CRm system to help keep track of your customers.
