Internet (ASP) vs Enterprise Workforce Solution

Index

1. Definition of ASP's
2. Benefits of the ASP Model
3. Benefits of the Enterprise Model
4. Hybrid Applications - Combining the Benefits
5. Comparing the True Cost of Ownership

Benefits of the Enterprise Model

	Once purchased, you own the software, can be accounted as a depreciating asset
	Runs faster typically than an ASP
	Operates independent of Internet connectivity
	Generally, provides richer desktop experience
	Data is kept in-house
	More user-configurability

The single biggest advantage for Enterprise applications over the ASP model is their ability to run completely independently of having Internet connectivity. Imagine a large service organization, someone on the scale of a Sears for example, that depended on having Internet access for basic functionality, such as order entry. Imagine the chaos if the Internet went down, preventing an entire Sears store or catalogue center from entering customer orders!

This is the obstacle that prevents many larger companies from adopting a web native ASP model as a turnkey solution. Until the Internet provides the same reliability as your business phone system, the Enterprise system will remain a staple of large business solutions.

The other major sticking point for Enterprise systems, again more specifically for larger organizations, is the security aspect of having all data kept in-house. For government organizations, public companies and large corporations, there is always the concern of having their data stored on a third party server.

Enterprise applications utilize the significant processing power of the desktop PC or client machine to provide fast operation, a rich user experience and the local configurability of Win32 applications.